Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §4025 is enacted to read:

§4025.__Law enforcement investigations

State, county and municipal law enforcement authorities may investigate an allegation of abuse or neglect of a child in the custody of the department without first obtaining the consent of the department or notifying the department.__This provision applies if the law enforcement authority receives a complaint or report of suspected abuse or neglect from a 3rd party or from the parent of the child.

SUMMARY

This bill allows state, county and municipal law enforcement authorities to investigate allegations of abuse or neglect of a child in the custody of the Department of Human Services without first notifying the department or obtaining consent from the department.