This bill makes the following changes to the laws governing out-of-home abuse and neglect.

1. It allocates the provisions to a different subtitle in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 22.

2. It provides definitions of "institutional abuse," "institutional neglect" and "abuse or neglect by an individual."

3. It adds to the duties of the investigations unit, formerly referred to as "the team," as follows:

A. The unit is authorized to receive reports of serious or chronic licensing violations;

B. The unit shall direct all out-of-home abuse and neglect investigations; and

C. The unit shall investigate within 48 hours of receipt any report of out-of-home abuse or neglect when jeopardy to children is alleged.

4. It specifies that findings of abuse or neglect under this portion of law are subject to due process requirements.

5. It authorizes increased assistance for the investigations unit in conducting out-of-home investigations.

6. It requires the investigations unit to make a report of facts in all investigations within 6 months.

7. It requires representation by and participation of the Office of the Attorney General in certain licensing or investigatory actions.

8. It requires that testimony from children in actions pursuant to this law must be conducted in accordance with the Child and Family Services and Child Protection Act.