CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN

Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. In provisions amending the Children's Advocacy Center Act, provides that MDT members shall access and share relevant information related to an investigation to the extent authorized by applicable state and federal privacy and confidentiality laws, so that professionals involved in the investigation can coordinate effectively, ensure the safety and well-being of the child, and support a thorough and informed investigation while protecting sensitive information (rather than work together, share information, and maintain confidentiality throughout the investigative process.) Further provides that Children's Advocacy Centers shall have a multidisciplinary, coordinated systems approach to investigation of child maltreatment. Provides that this approach shall include policy on multidisciplinary team collaboration and communication that requires coordination among applicable MDT members and establishes procedures for the exchange of information pertinent to investigation and the safety of the child to the extent permitted under applicable state and federal privacy and confidentiality laws, through secure and confidential methods. Further provides that the policy shall require that MDT members have access to, and share, relevant information related to an investigation to the extent authorized by applicable state and federal privacy and confidentiality laws, to facilitate MDT coordination, support the investigative responsibilities of the agencies with statutory authority, promote the safety and well-being of the child, and support a thorough and informed investigation while protecting sensitive information. Further provides that the multidisciplinary, coordinated systems approach to the investigation of child maltreatment shall require that MDT members have access to, and share, relevant information related to an investigation to the extent authorized by applicable state and federal privacy and confidentiality laws and provide for that participation of appropriate MDT members, as relevant to the circumstances of the case. In provisions amending the Bill of Rights for Children, provides that the agency with statutory investigative authority shall notify a child and any parent or guardian of the right to request a forensic interview through the Children's Advocacy Center, subject to acceptance of the referral by the CAC, and that such right may be asserted by the child or the child's parent or guardian with the child's assent. Removes provisions amending the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. In provisions amending the Criminal Code of 2012, provides that a second or subsequent violation of provisions prohibiting endangering the life or safety of a child or a statute of any other state of an offense that is substantially equivalent to the offense of endangering the life or health of a child, is a Class 3 felony. In provisions amending the Bill of Rights for Children, makes changes to provisions concerning forensic interviews with children's advocacy centers.

Status

Passed

Signed or otherwise enacted

Status date

Aug 10, 2026

94 days ago

Current chamber

Senate

Session

2025-2026 Regular Session