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Bill

LC 484

Revise definition of "psychological abuse or neglect" in child abuse and neglect proceedings

2025 Regular Session

LC 484 would redefine psychological abuse/neglect in child-welfare cases, clarifying which behaviors count and how cases are opened or handled; the bill died in process.

(LC) Draft Died in Process
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Bill Summary · LC 484

Summary: LC 484 — Revise definition of "psychological abuse or neglect" in child abuse and neglect proceedings

Overview

  • Bill Number: LC 484
  • Title: Revise definition of "psychological abuse or neglect" in child abuse and neglect proceedings
  • Purpose (per title): To revise the statutory definition of psychological abuse or neglect as it applies in child abuse and neglect proceedings.
  • Status: Draft Died in Process
  • Introduced: October 4, 2024
  • Classification/Subject: Family Law, Minors

Legislative History and Status

  • 2024-10-04: Drafter assigned
  • 2024-10-09: Draft placed On Hold (twice)
  • 2024-11-25: Draft Taken Off Hold
  • 2024-12-30: Draft On Hold (twice)
  • 2025-05-22: Draft Died in Process
  • Current disposition: The bill has died in process, meaning it did not advance to further committee or floor action for the session in which it was introduced.

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill seeks to revise how psychological abuse or neglect is defined within child abuse and neglect proceedings. While the exact statutory language is not provided here, such revisions typically aim to clarify what behaviors or patterns constitute psychological abuse or neglect, potentially affecting when a case can be opened, how allegations are evaluated, and what remedies or interventions may be pursued.

Key Provisions (Note: Text not Provided)

  • The precise statutory amendments are not included in the available information. Therefore, the exact changes to terminology, criteria, examples, or thresholds are not specified here.
  • In similar reforms, changes might address:
    • Specific behaviors or conditions that qualify as psychological abuse or neglect (e.g., emotional maltreatment, coercive control, threats, constant demeaning conduct).
    • Criteria or standards used by courts or agencies to determine abuse/neglect.
    • Alignment with other child welfare definitions or with related statutes.
    • Implications for required services, investigations, or case plans.

If the full text becomes available, a detailed point-by-point comparison of current law versus the proposed revision would be provided.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Children and youths involved in child abuse and neglect proceedings.
  • Parents, guardians, and other caregivers subject to abuse/neglect findings.
  • Child protective services agencies, social workers, and investigators.
  • Attorneys representing children, parents, and agencies.
  • Judges and magistrates presiding over family law and child welfare cases.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced 2024-10-04; status has fluctuated between On Hold and taken off Hold during the 2024-2025 period.
  • As of 2025-05-22, the draft has died in process, meaning no further action is planned for this session under the current bill status.
  • If reintroduced, it would typically require a new bill number and reinitiation through the legislative process.

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Depending on the final text, revisions could broaden or narrow the scope of conduct deemed psychological abuse or neglect, affecting case openings, charges, and remedies.
  • Could influence judicial decisions, service planning, and required interventions for families.
  • May require training for court personnel and child welfare professionals to apply the revised definition consistently.
  • Important to assess alignment with other definitions in family law and with related child welfare statutes to avoid gaps or overlaps.

Next Steps

  • Availability of the full bill language would enable a detailed, section-by-section summary of amendments.
  • If reintroduced in a future session, the bill would go through standard legislative steps (committee hearings, amendments, floor votes).

This summary provides an informed overview based on the bill’s title, status, and procedural history. Access to the actual legislative text would allow a precise articulation of the exact changes and their practical effects.

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

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