Clarify that child independent activity is not abuse or neglect

Legislative status

1. Introduced
2. In Committee
3. Reported by Committee
4. Floor Vote Scheduled
5. Passed One Chamber
6. Passed Both Chambers
7. Sent to Executive
8. Signed into Law

Summary

The bill states that when a parent or guardian lets a child engage in certain unsupervised activities, the child will not be classified as abused or neglected, as long as the activities suit the child’s age, maturity and abilities and don’t pose a gross safety risk. It defines “independent activities” such as walking to school, outdoor play, or staying home alone for a reasonable time. The measure protects families from abuse or neglect allegations when children are given appropriate independence.

AI-generated summary — may be incomplete or inaccurate. Verify against the official bill text.

Hearings

• House Judiciary: H. B. No. 194, H. B. No. 926, H. B. No. 571, H. B. No. 806, Sub. S. B. No. 146, S. B. No. 277, S. B. No. 224, Sub. S. B. No. 393, H. B. No. 728, H. B. No. 662, H. B. No. 295, H. B. No. 808, H. B. No. 713, H. B. No. 855
  House Judiciary · Nov 10, 2026
• Senate Judiciary: Sub. H. B. No. 105, S. B. No. 422, S. B. No. 135, S. B. No. 157, S. B. No. 163, S. B. No. 277, S. B. No. 341, Sub. H. B. No. 126, S. B. No. 58, S. B. No. 393
  Senate Judiciary · May 13, 2026
• Senate Judiciary: H. B. No. 296, S. B. No. 421, Sub. H. B. No. 532, Sub. H. B. No. 492, S. B. No. 393, Sub. H. B. No. 20, H. B. No. 195, S. B. No. 277, S. B. No. 341
  Senate Judiciary · Apr 15, 2026
• Senate Judiciary: Sub. H. B. No. 338, S. B. No. 292, S. B. No. 393, Sub. H. B. No. 20, H. B. No. 195, S. B. No. 341, Sub. H. B. No. 210, S. B. No. 225, S. B. No. 163, S. B. No. 277
  Senate Judiciary · Mar 25, 2026
• Senate Judiciary: Am. H. B. No. 47, S. B. No. 277, S. B. No. 225, S. B. No. 295, Sub. H. B. No. 247, S. B. No. 174
  Senate Judiciary · Nov 5, 2025

History

1. May 20, 2026Referred to committee
2. May 19, 2026Introduced
3. May 13, 2026Reported
4. May 13, 2026Passed
5. Oct 1, 2025Referred to committee
6. Sep 30, 2025Introduced

Sponsors

• Theresa Gavarone (R) · sponsor

Bill text

Opens the legislature’s own copy.

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Topics

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