MO HB1842

Establishes a Joint Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect composed of seven senate members and seven house members, appointed by legislative leadership with no more than four members from each party per chamber.

Committee shall conduct ongoing study and analysis of Missouri's child abuse and neglect reporting and investigation system, devise plans for improving child removal decisions, and determine additional personnel and resources needed.

Committee responsibilities include addressing foster care home shortages, improving care quality for abused and neglected children in state custody, and recommending statutory changes and administrative improvements.

Committee must meet at least quarterly, elect a chairperson and vice chairperson (one from each chamber with the position alternating every two years), and submit annual reports to the General Assembly by January 15th.

Committee members serve without compensation but receive reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses; the committee sunsets on January 15, 2018.