NJ A2846

Failure to report child abuse when there is reasonable cause to believe abuse occurred would be upgraded from a disorderly persons offense to a fourth-degree crime, punishable by up to 18 months incarceration and/or a $10,000 fine.

Failure to report child sexual abuse would be upgraded from a fourth-degree to a third-degree crime, punishable by 3-5 years incarceration and/or a $15,000 fine.

Creates a new fourth-degree crime for knowingly failing to cooperate with child abuse or neglect investigations conducted by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency or other designated entities within the Department of Children and Families.

The bill amends P.L.1971, c.437 (N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.8 et seq.), New Jersey's existing child abuse reporting law.