Child abuse penalties enhanced

Senators passed a bill April 2 that refines child abuse penalties.

LB799, introduced by Bellevue Sen. Abbie Cornett, makes child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury a Class IIIA felony and a Class III felony if the offense is committed negligently and results in the death of a child.

The bill clarifies that criminal negligence refers to a person who knew or should have known the danger involved and acted recklessly with respect to the safety or health of the child.

The bill passed 46-0.