SB 628 - This act modifies the law relating to the Division of Family Services and placement of children in foster care. Any employee of the Division that intentionally or violates with gross negligence the Division's policy, rules, or state laws will be civilly and criminally liable for damages. Employees that violate policies, rules, or laws shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor. If serious physical injury or death occurs, the employee will be guilty of a Class D felony.

Any changes in the Division's policy must be submitted to the Joint Legislative Committee for review. The Committee will consist of five members from the Children and Families House Committee and five members from the Aging, Families, Mental and Public Health Senate Committee. The Committee will approve or disprove the submitted changes and amend as necessary without submitting to the agency.

Individuals that report abuse and neglect must give the Division their social security number. All meetings dealing with removing a child from the home must be recorded. The Division must keep the recordings closed for six months after the case is closed.

The Division may refuse to issue or revoke a foster home license to an individual that has pled guilty or been found guilty of an offense involving an act of violence.

This act is identical to HB 396 (2003).
LORIE TOWE