Establishing a registry for child abuse and neglect to be maintained by the secretary for children and families, providing for registration and expungement processes that include administrative hearings and opportunities for subsequent appeals, requiring reports of abuse or neglect to include information regarding a custody dispute concerning the child who is the subject of the report and directing the secretary to submit a report to the legislature on such information.

Added a requirement that individuals must be given access to department records regarding the abuse or neglect report before they can request a hearing or waive their right to one.

Reordered the text to place the 'As Amended by Senate Committee' header first, followed by the 'As Amended by House Committee' text, effectively merging the versions.

Adjusted line breaks and spacing throughout the document to accommodate the new inserted text and the restructured headers.

The standard of proof required to place an individual on the registry was lowered from 'clear and convincing evidence' to 'preponderance of the evidence', making it easier for the state to list individuals.

New requirements were added for the secretary to consider specific factors, such as the severity of the abuse and whether the applicant was a juvenile, when deciding on expungement.

The deadline for appealing an order to place someone on the registry was extended from 30 days to 12 months, giving individuals significantly more time to challenge the decision.

The criteria for expunging a name from the registry were expanded to allow removal if there is a 'change of circumstances' or new information, in addition to the previous time-based requirement.

Added a requirement that individuals must have access to relevant department records before any hearing or waiver of the right to a hearing.

Increased the standard of proof required to place someone on the registry from 'preponderance of the evidence' to 'clear and convincing evidence.'

Reduced the time limit for appealing a registry placement order from 12 months to 30 days.

Added a requirement that abuse reports include information regarding child custody disputes and that the secretary report this data to the legislature.

Expanded expungement eligibility to allow removal if new information changes the secretary's determination, in addition to the three-year waiting period.

Changed the process for prosecutors to request registry placement from a court order to transmitting information for the secretary to investigate and decide.