New York Governor Cuomo Vetoes Bill to Limit State’s Abuse and Neglect Registry

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) vetoed legislation late last week that would have expanded due process safeguards for parents accused of abusing or neglecting their children.

The bill would have significantly reduced the time parents’ names must remain on a state database of child abuse and neglect claims. It also would have raised the standard of evidence required before child welfare authorities could escalate investigations of parents accused of neglect.

“There are significant fiscal implications associated with implementation that were not budgeted for, nor were funds identified in this legislation,” read Cuomo’s veto message, dated last Friday. “Additionally … By allowing the records of individuals with serious histories of abuse or maltreatment of children to be sealed, New York can place children at risk of harm.”

Cuomo also indicated that he wanted to figure out compromise changes on both issues.

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