Child abuse and neglect training required

273.415. Child abuse and neglect training required — training materials — expiration date. — 1. No later than December 31, 2027, all persons employed or serving as animal control officers or animal humane investigators who have direct contact with animals shall be required to complete at least one and one-half hour of training as described in this subsection. Any person beginning employment after December 31, 2027, as an animal control officer or animal humane investigator who has direct contact with animals shall complete such training within sixty days of beginning employment or service. The training shall include the following:

(1) Requirements to report child abuse or neglect or eligible person abuse or neglect under section 273.420 and the penalties associated with failure to report such abuse or neglect;

(2) How to identify child or eligible adult abuse or neglect;

(3) How to make a report of child or eligible adult abuse or neglect; and

(4) The relationship between child, eligible adult, and animal abuse or neglect.

2. By December 31, 2026, the children's division, the department of health and senior services, and the department of agriculture, in consultation with the Missouri Animal Control Association, or a successor entity, shall develop or adapt and use available training materials for the training required under this section.

3. Persons required to complete training under this section shall be provided with opportunities to do so during regular working hours. The training may qualify as part of any continuing education requirements otherwise required for such person as a condition of licensure or employment.

4. As used in this section, the following terms shall mean:

(1) "Animal", dogs, cats, rabbits, and domesticated birds;

(2) "Animal humane investigator", a duly-authorized county or municipal animal control officer or any Missouri peace officer standards and training (POST)-certified or Missouri Animal Control Association (MACA)-certified animal cruelty investigator;

(3) "Successor entity", any entity designated as such jointly by the department of health and senior services and the children's division.

5. The provisions of this section shall expire on December 31, 2030.