California Legislature—2015–16 Regular Session

Assembly BillNo. 2187


Introduced by Assembly Member Grove

February 18, 2016


An act to amend Section 11164 of the Penal Code, relating to child abuse.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST

AB 2187, as introduced, Grove. Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act.

Existing law, the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act, defines “sexual abuse” as sexual assault or sexual exploitation for purposes of mandating certain persons to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect. The failure to report known or suspected instances of child abuse, including sexual abuse, under the act is a misdemeanor. Existing law provides that the intent and purpose of this act is to protect children from abuse and neglect, and requires all persons participating in the investigation of suspected child abuse or neglect to consider the needs of the child victim.

This bill would make technical, nonsubstantive changes to this statement of intent.

Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no. State-mandated local program: no.

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

P1    1

SECTION 1.  

Section 11164 of the Penal Code is amended to
2read:

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11164.  

(a) This article shall bebegin delete knownend deletebegin insert known,end insert and may be
2begin delete citedend deletebegin insert cited,end insert as the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act.

3(b) The intent and purpose of this article is to protect children
4from abuse and neglect. In any investigation of suspected child
5abuse or neglect, all persons participating in the investigation of
6the case shall consider the needs of the child victim and shall do
7whatever is necessary to prevent psychological harm to the child
8victim.



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