Criminal Justice

This bill requires agencies that provide temporary housing for children or pregnant women in crisis to conduct background checks on staff and comply with specific safety requirements. It amends existing state laws to clarify how confidential child abuse records can be shared with authorized entities like law enforcement, healthcare providers, and courts when there is a legitimate need to protect a child's safety. The legislation establishes clear guidelines for when and how sensitive information may be disclosed, ensuring that privacy protections remain in place while allowing necessary access for child protection purposes. Agencies offering temporary housing must now verify the backgrounds of individuals working with vulnerable populations to help prevent potential harm.