AN ACT relating to child protection.
     Amend KRS 600.020 to add and define the term "near fatality"; amend KRS 620.050 to allow child care administrators access to the report of suspected child abuse, neglect, or dependency and all information obtained by the Cabinet for Human Resources or its delegated representative; prohibit divulging of the identity of informants without a court order after the court has reviewed in camera the record of the state related to the report or complaint and found reason to believe the informant knowingly made a false report; make exception for law enforcement agencies having a legitimate interest in the case; allow public disclosure of information by the cabinet in a case where child abuse or neglect has resulted in a child fatality or near fatality; provide for voluntary waiver of confidentiality of information and records about an affected adult, when the affected adult publicly reveals or causes to be revealed any significant part of the confidential matter or information; allow the disclosure if the disclosure is in the best interest of the child or is necessary for the administration of the cabinet's duties under KRS Chapter 620.

     Jan 7-introduced in Senate
     Jan 8-to Health and Welfare (S)
     Feb 26-reported favorably, 1st reading, to Consent Calendar
     Feb 27-2nd reading, to Rules
     Mar 2-posted for passage in the Consent Orders of the Day for March 4, 1998
     Mar 4-3rd reading, passed 38-0
     Mar 5-received in House
     Mar 6-to Health and Welfare (H)
     Mar 11-posted in committee
     Mar 12-posting waived; reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar
     Mar 13-2nd reading, to Rules
     Mar 20-posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for March 23, 1998
     Mar 23-3rd reading, passed 91-0
     Mar 24-received in Senate; enrolled, signed by each presiding officer, delivered to Governor
     Apr 3-signed by Governor