SB 171-MULTIDISCIPLINARY CHILD PROTECTION TEAMS  1:36:09 PM CHAIR COGHILL announced the consideration of SB 171."An Act relating to multidisciplinary child protection teams; and relating to investigation of child abuse or neglect." 1:36:25 PM SENATOR DYSON moved to adopt CS for SB 171, labeled 28-LS1416\C, as the working document. SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI joined the committee. 1:37:05 PM RYNNIEVA MOSS, Staff, Senator John Coghill, sponsor of SB 171, explained the changes that appear in Version C. Section 1, subsection (a), page 1, line 5, the language describing the investigating entity was broadened to "the department or another investigating agency" in order to include local police, tribes, and child advocacy centers. Section 2, subsection (b), page 2, narrows the expertise of the team established under subsection (a) to ensure they have training and knowledge of child abuse cases. Section 3, subsection (c), page 3, lines 10-12, language was included at the request of the Department of Law to ensure that the confidentiality of the information is protected. A multidisciplinary team member may only use the information as necessary for the performance of the member's duties. CHAIR COGHILL removed his objection. Finding no further objection, Version C was adopted. He recapped that the primary purpose of the legislation is to allow these multidisciplinary child protection teams to work for the benefit of the child when the Office of Children's Services isn't involved. 1:40:30 PM PAM KARALUNAS, Alaska Children's Alliance (ACA), Chugiak, Alaska testified in support of SB 171. She said ACA appreciates SB 171 because it clarifies misunderstandings of the multidisciplinary team process at child advocacy centers. The bill also updates the statute to reflect best practices. 1:41:25 PM SENATOR DYSON moved to report CS for SB 171 with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note. CHAIR COGHILL announced that, without objection, CSSB 171(JUD) moved from the Senate Judiciary Standing Committee.