JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Child abuse reporting requirements were strengthened with Gov. Jay Nixon’s signature on HB 1877, one of three bills signed Wednesday.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. David Wood, R-Versailles, adds more crimes to the list for which individuals can be added to the Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry if convicted. Those crimes include rape, sodomy, and promoting prostitution if the victim is under the age of 18, and sexual exploitation of minor, possession of child pornography, furnishing pornographic materials to minor, child used in sexual performance, and promoting sexual performance by a child.
The bill also requires that potential victims of child abuse age three or younger are tended to by SAFE CARE provider who specialize in child abuse. If they suspect abuse the law requires an immediate recommendation juvenile officers that the victim be taken into protective custody.
“We have a solemn obligation to protect kids, especially those who have been victims of abuse and neglect,” Nixon said in a statement. “This bipartisan legislation will strengthen our laws against child abuse and neglect, and I am proud to sign it into law today.”
The bill also creates a task force on child abuse that will report to the governor and the legislature, designates requirements for case plans for foster children and sets provisions for the reentry of children in the custody of the children’s division.
Nixon also signed HB 2355, sponsored by Rep. Bill Lant, R-Pineville, creating the Missouri State Juvenile Justice Advisory Board under the Department of State Court Administration. The board would provide recommendations for best practices within the juvenile court system and juvenile officer standards.
Finally, Nixon signed SBs 905 and 992, an act changes the effective date of the repeal and enactment of certain provisions of the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. It was sponsored by Sen. Scott Sifton, D-Affton.
