HB-5338 Summary

• Maintains a statewide electronic central registry for child abuse and neglect reports filed with the department, with records classified as confidential unless released as specified.

• Restricts access to confidential child protective services records to authorized entities including child protective agencies, law enforcement, physicians, courts, researchers, child placing agencies, and legislative committees.

• Requires the department to notify persons named as perpetrators of child abuse or neglect within 30 days of central registry classification, informing them of rights to request expunction or amendment of records.

• Establishes procedures for persons to request hearing within 180 days to challenge accuracy of reports or request removal from central registry, with decisions made by preponderance of evidence standard.

• Maintains records in central registry for 10 years for category I or II perpetrators, or indefinitely for cases involving serious circumstances listed in sections 17(1) or 18(1) until perpetrator's death is confirmed.

• Prohibits disclosure of identifying information by citizen review panel members and restricts release of law enforcement reports on ongoing investigations while allowing release of conviction records related to child abuse or neglect.