Abuse or neglect of eligible adult or child, control officers and humane investigators required to report
Starting January 1, 2028, animal control officers and animal humane investigators are required to report suspected abuse or neglect of elderly adults and children. If one of these officers has good reason to think an elderly adult or child is being abused or neglected, they must report it right away to the proper state agency. They can also report to police, but that does not replace the required report to the state. Failing to make the required report is a crime. This law expires on December 31, 2030.
Classifications stated in the statute. Actual outcomes vary.
273.420. of or child, control officers and investigators required to report. — 1. Beginning January 1, 2028, any or , as defined in section 273.415, shall immediately report or cause a report to be made to the if such person has to suspect that an eligible adult, as such term is defined in section 192.2400, has been subject to abuse or neglect or observes the eligible adult being subjected to conditions or circumstances that would reasonably result in abuse or neglect.
2. Beginning January 1, 2028, any animal control officer or animal humane investigator shall immediately report or cause a report to be made to the , in accordance with the of sections 210.109 to 210.183, if such person has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been or may be subjected to abuse or neglect or observes a child being subjected to conditions or circumstances that would reasonably result in abuse or neglect.
3. Any person required to report under this section may also report the suspicion of abuse or neglect to any or . Such report shall not, however, take the place of reporting to the or the .
4. The for failing to report as required under this section shall be a .
5. As used in this section, the term "reasonable cause" shall mean that abuse or neglect is more likely than not to have occurred.
6. The provisions of this section shall expire on December 31, 2030.
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Source & history notes
(L. 2026 H.B. 2292) Expires 12-31-30
Related Missouri laws
Child abuse and neglect training required
RSMo 273.415
Abuse and neglect report, contents
RSMo 273.425
Animal abuse or neglect suspected, hotline report to MACA
RSMo 273.410
Animal considered sterilized when
RSMo 273.405
Sterilization of all cats and dogs adopted or purchased from animal shelters or animal control agencies, procedure
RSMo 273.403
Definitions
RSMo 273.400
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.