MO HB143

Repeals and replaces sections 210.135 and 210.145 of Missouri Revised Statutes relating to child abuse and neglect reporting and investigation procedures.

Provides immunity from civil and criminal liability for persons, officials, or institutions reporting suspected child abuse or neglect in good faith, except those intentionally filing false reports or acting in bad faith.

Requires that when a child dies or is seriously injured after a report is made, hotline workers, case workers, and circuit managers involved shall receive a preliminary evaluation within three days to determine if competency assessment is needed.

Establishes a review process when three or more hotline calls are made about the same child within 72 hours to determine if calls meet criteria for abuse and neglect reports or constitute harassment.

Requires hotline callers to be instructed to call 911 in instances where a child may be in immediate danger and prohibits division investigators from calling ahead or leaving documentation before home visits in certain circumstances involving alleged perpetrators or domestic violence history.