CAMP EMPLOYEE; RESPONSIBILITY FOR CHILD S.B. 728:
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 728 (as reported without amendment)
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Child Protection Law to specify that a person responsible for a child's health or welfare would include an owner, operator, volunteer, or employee of a camp under the "Camp Licensing Act" proposed by Senate Bill 692.
The Law generally requires mandatory reporters, such as medical professionals, to report to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) suspected instances of child abuse and neglect perpetrated by a person responsible for a child's health or welfare. "Camp" would mean a camp program operated at a campsite, or a day camp, residential camp, or travel camp conducted in a natural environment.
The bill is tie-barred to Senate Bill 692, which would establish the "Camp Licensing Act" to govern camp specific licensing requirements and procedures for the care and supervision of campers.
BRIEF RATIONALE
The proposed "Camp Licensing Act" would establish a process for conducting a high-risk special investigation under certain conditions, such as in instances of suspected child abuse or neglect under the Child Protection Law. It has been suggested that the Law be amended to include these investigation provisions of the "Camp Licensing Act" and allow the DHHS to cooperate with such an investigation.
Legislative Analyst: Eleni Lionas
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Date Completed: 3-14-24 Fiscal Analyst: Humphrey Akujobi
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.