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Annie’s Law: Protecting Children from Convicted Abusers in Residential Settings

SECTION 1. ANNI'S LAW

This Act may be cited as Annie’s Law.

SECTION 2. PURPOSE

To close critical loopholes in existing child protection laws by prohibiting convicted child abusers from residing in homes with minors who are not their biological children and by holding accountable those who knowingly enable such arrangements.

SECTION 3. DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of this Act:

• Convicted child abuser refers to any individual found guilty of crimes involving the abuse, exploitation, or endangerment of a minor under applicable state or federal law.
• Non-biological child includes stepchildren, foster children, adopted children, or any unrelated minors residing in the same household.
• Responsible adult includes any adult residing in the home who has legal custody, guardianship, or decision-making authority over the minor(s).

SECTION 4. RESIDENCY RESTRICTIONS

(a) A convicted child abuser may not reside in a household where a non-biological child is present.

(b) This restriction applies regardless of the abuser’s legal relationship to the child, unless they have received explicit and reviewed court-approved visitation or residency rights under supervision.

(c) Violations of this section shall result in immediate removal of the child(ren) from the residence and criminal liability as specified in Section 6.

SECTION 5. EXPANSION OF EXISTING RESIDENCY RESTRICTIONS

Existing statutes prohibiting convicted child abusers from residing within a designated distance (e.g., 1,000 feet) of schools, parks, and childcare facilities shall be expanded to include private residences in which non-biological children reside.

(a) This includes apartments, temporary housing, and multi-family residences.

(b) Residency in violation of this expansion is deemed equivalent in severity and penalty to residency violations involving public facilities.

SECTION 6. PENALTIES FOR FACILITATING ACCESS TO CHILDREN

(a) Any adult who knowingly permits or facilitates a convicted child abuser to reside in a home with non-biological children shall be charged with child endangerment, a felony offense.

(b) If injury or abuse results, the charge may be elevated to a more severe classification, including but not limited to felony assault or reckless endangerment.

(c) Mandatory reporting requirements will apply to any professional or state agent aware of such living arrangements (e.g., CPS workers, teachers, probation officers).

SECTION 7. ENFORCEMENT & MANDATORY CHECKS

(a) Probation officers, caseworkers, and child protective agencies must assess and report on household members during home visits for any child under state oversight.

(b) Law enforcement and social service agencies shall be granted access to verify compliance with these provisions.

SECTION 8. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this Act is found to be unconstitutional or unenforceable, the remainder of the Act shall remain in full effect.

SECTION 9. EFFECTIVE DATE

This Act shall take effect 90 days after its passage.