Legislature(2005 - 2006)
2006-01-30 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2006-01-30 Senate Journal Page 2015 SB 252 SENATE BILL NO. 252 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to the definition of 'child abuse and neglect' for child protection purposes; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education and Social Services and Judiciary Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, zero, Department of Health and Social Services 2006-01-30 Senate Journal Page 2016 Governor's transmittal letter dated January 27, 2006: Dear President Stevens: Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the definition of "child abuse and neglect" for child protection purposes. This bill would clarify that the definition "child" includes an infant who has been identified by a health care provider involved in the delivery or care of that infant as being affected by abuse of a controlled substance or from withdrawal from prenatal exposure to a controlled substance. The purpose of the bill is to ensure that health care professionals report such infants to the Department of Health and Social Services under the state's mandatory reporting laws for child abuse and neglect. This provision is necessary to be in compliance with federal law as a condition of continued federal funding for child abuse and neglect prevention and treatment. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely yours, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor