Modifying the criminal penalties imposed on a parent, guardian or custodian for child abuse

Increased prison sentences for child abuse causing bodily injury from 1-2 years to 1-10 years

Increased prison sentences for child abuse causing serious bodily injury from 2-10 years to 5-15 years

Enhanced repeat offender penalties with felony charges for third offenses and doubled sentencing for repeat felony convictions

Added new offense for 'gross neglect' creating risk of death or serious bodily injury

Added exemption clause stating financial hardship does not excuse neglect charges

Clarified that misdemeanor convictions do not automatically restrict custody or parental rights

Penalty structure for child abuse was changed from fixed imprisonment terms to include fine options and modified sentencing ranges

Repeat offender provisions now include escalating penalties with specific fine amounts and jail time for second and third offenses

New exemption added for neglect cases when caused primarily by lack of financial means

Misdemeanor provisions now include mandatory services like parenting classes and counseling options

Added distinction between 'neglect' and 'gross neglect' with different penalty thresholds

Increased prison sentences for child abuse causing bodily injury from 1-5 years to 2-10 years, and for serious bodily injury from 2-10 years to 5-15 years.

Added a financial means exemption for neglect cases, preventing prosecution when neglect is primarily due to poverty.

Clarified that prior convictions under related state or federal laws trigger enhanced felony penalties for repeat offenders.

Standardized requirements for parenting classes and counseling for convicted misdemeanants across both abuse and neglect sections.

Added specific effective date provision: 90 days from passage (July 9, 2025).

Increased prison terms and fines for repeat offenses of child abuse and neglect, with some penalties elevated from misdemeanors to felonies for third or subsequent offenses.

Added a provision that exempts parents from criminal liability for neglect if it is primarily due to a lack of financial means.

Clarified that convicted parents are not automatically stripped of custody or visitation rights solely based on the conviction.

Refined definitions of abuse and neglect offenses to better distinguish between risk of injury and actual injury scenarios.