IN HB1264

Department of Child Services must publicly disclose information about child abuse/neglect cases resulting in fatalities or near fatalities, including the child's name, age, gender, county of residence, and whether prior reports existed involving the child or alleged perpetrator.

"Near fatality" defined as a severe childhood injury or condition certified by a physician as life threatening (categorized as "serious" or "critical" in hospital records).

Department must provide a public summary report within 90 days of completing a child fatality/near fatality case review, including any policy or practice changes implemented in response.

Additional information requests require the department to consult with the prosecuting attorney before release to avoid harming ongoing criminal investigations.

Effective July 1, 2026; passed House Committee on Family, Children and Human Affairs with 11-0 vote on January 14, 2026.