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A 3049

Establishes the crime of endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Marianne Buttenschon and 9 co-sponsors

Bill A 3049 criminalizes severe neglect or abuse of children, imposing penalties on offenders and requiring professionals to report suspected endangerment cases.

REFERRED TO CODES
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Bill Summary · A 3049

Summary of Bill A 3049

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: A 3049
  • Title: Establishes the crime of endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree
  • Status: Referred to Codes
  • Introduced: January 23, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 3049 aims to establish a new criminal offense specifically targeting actions that endanger the welfare of a child. The intent behind this legislation is to enhance child protection laws and ensure that individuals who engage in severe neglect or harmful behavior towards children are held accountable under the law.

Key Provisions

  • Definition of the Crime: The bill defines "endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree" as actions that create a substantial risk of serious physical injury or death to a child. This includes, but is not limited to, acts of abuse, neglect, or exposure to dangerous environments.

  • Penalties: The bill proposes specific penalties for individuals convicted of this crime, which may include:

    • Imprisonment: A term of imprisonment that could range from several months to several years, depending on the severity of the offense.
    • Fines: Financial penalties may also be imposed as part of the sentencing.

  • Reporting Requirements: The bill may include provisions that require certain professionals (e.g., teachers, healthcare providers) to report suspected cases of endangerment to the appropriate authorities.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Children: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are children, particularly those who may be at risk of harm due to neglect or abuse.
  • Parents and Guardians: Individuals who are caregivers may face legal consequences if found guilty of endangering a child's welfare.
  • Professionals: Mandated reporters, such as educators and healthcare workers, will have a legal obligation to report suspected cases of child endangerment.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of January 23, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Codes Committee for further consideration. This is a preliminary step in the legislative process, where the bill will be reviewed, and potential amendments may be proposed.

  • Related Bills: This bill is related to several prior-session bills, including:

    • S 7249
    • S 405
    • A 6658

These related bills may provide context or serve as a foundation for the provisions outlined in A 3049.

Conclusion

Bill A 3049 represents a significant step towards strengthening child welfare laws by criminalizing actions that endanger children. By establishing clear definitions and penalties, the bill seeks to protect vulnerable populations and hold offenders accountable. As it moves through the legislative process, further discussions and potential amendments will shape its final form and impact.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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