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2023 SESSION

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SB 1367 Child abuse or neglect; definition, child engaging in independent activities without supervision.

Introduced by: Jill Holtzman Vogel | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles | history

SUMMARY AS PASSED:

Child abuse or neglect; definition; independent activities. Clarifies that no child whose parent or other person responsible for his care allows the child to engage in independent activities without adult supervision shall for that reason alone be considered to be an abused or neglected child, provided that (i) such independent activities are appropriate based on the child's age, maturity, and physical and mental abilities and (ii) such lack of supervision does not constitute conduct that is so grossly negligent as to endanger the health or safety of the child. The bill provides that such independent activities include traveling to or from school or nearby locations by bicycle or on foot, playing outdoors, or remaining at home for a reasonable period of time.

SUMMARY AS PASSED SENATE:

Child abuse or neglect; definition; independent activities. Clarifies that no child whose parent or other person responsible for his care allows the child to engage in independent activities without adult supervision shall for that reason alone be considered to be an abused or neglected child, provided that (i) such independent activities are appropriate based on the child's age, maturity, and physical and mental abilities and (ii) such lack of supervision does not constitute conduct that is so willful and wanton as to endanger the health or safety of the child. The bill provides that such independent activities may include traveling to or from school or nearby locations by bicycle or on foot, playing outdoors, remaining at home for a reasonable period of time, or remaining in a vehicle if such vehicle is parked in a safe location and the temperature is not and will not become dangerously hot or cold.

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Child abuse or neglect; definition; independent activities. Clarifies that no child whose parent or other person responsible for his care allows the child to engage in reasonable independent activities without adult supervision shall for that reason alone be considered to be an abused or neglected child, provided that such independent activities are appropriate based on the child's age, maturity, and physical and mental abilities. The bill provides that such independent activities may include traveling to or from school or nearby locations by bicycle or on foot, playing outdoors, remaining at home for a reasonable period of time, or remaining in a vehicle if such vehicle is parked in a safe location and the temperature is not and will not become dangerously hot or cold.