2006-01-30                     House Journal                      Page 2383
HB 408                                                                                            
HOUSE BILL NO. 408 by the House 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 & Social                              
Services and Finance Committees.                                                                    
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                 
                                                                                                    
1.  Zero, Dept. of Health & Social Services                                                         
                                                                                                    
The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 27, 2006, follows:                                  
                                                                                                    
"Dear Speaker Harris:                                                                               
                                                                                                    
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.                                                             
                                                                                                    

2006-01-30                     House Journal                      Page 2384
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"