HB1340: Department of child services matters.

Legislative Summary

Department of child services matters. Defines "Indian child" for purposes of family and juvenile law. Provides that certain records relating to foster care children may be maintained in an electronic format. Provides that certain individuals may request a child's Social Security number for income tax purposes. Requires the department of child services (department) to: (1) develop a form an individual may submit to request a child's Social Security number; and (2) approve or deny a request for a child's Social Security number not later than 10 business days after receiving the request. Requires the department to approve an individual's request for a child's Social Security number if: (1) the child lived with the individual in the 18 months preceding the request; and (2) the child lived with the individual for: (A) at least six months in any one calendar year; or (B) more than 1/2 of the days the child lived during a calendar year if the child was born or died in the calendar year; unless the child does not have a Social Security number or the department does not have a record of the child's Social Security number. Provides that certain information, documents, reports, pictures, videos, images, or recordings related to department matters are confidential. Requires that information that is otherwise confidential must be made available to: (1) a tribal representative, agency, or organization authorized by an Indian child's tribe to care for, diagnose, treat, review, evaluate, or monitor active efforts regarding the Indian child, and the Indian child's parent, guardian, or custodian; and (2) the United States Department of State and foreign governments to comply with federal law and treaties. Provides that the department: (1) may; and (2) under specified circumstances, shall; notify a child care worker's employer of a substantiated report of child abuse or neglect made against the child care worker. Makes a technical correction.