SB 627 - This act changes the law on mandatory reporters of suspected child abuse. Current law mandates that certain professional workers, such as physicians, nurses, principals or school officials, or other persons with responsibility for the care of children shall immediately report or cause a report to be made to the children's division of the department of social services regarding suspected child abuse. This act would provide that in addition to those persons, any other person who has reasonable cause to suspect child abuse shall be required to immediately report the suspected abuse to the division.
This act also adds an enhanced penalty for failing to report child abuse from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class D felony when the child at issue dies as a result of the abuse or neglect.
ADRIANE CROUSE