SB 460 Summary

• Requires the Department of Human Services to electronically record each referral received by the child abuse hotline and retain recordings securely for 90 days

• Recordings are confidential and only subject to disclosure when criminal charges related to the referral have been filed, with the Department required to redact reporter identifying information unless ordered by court

• Establishes new criminal penalties: failure to report suspected child abuse is a misdemeanor; knowingly failing to report prolonged child abuse (6+ months) becomes a felony

• Requires DHS hotline staff training in interviewing skills, customer service, narrative writing, case determinations, and identifying priority situations; authorizes contracting with third parties for training

• Effective date: November 1, 2013