HB 2597-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

Provides that, when any member of the clergy has reasonable cause to believe that a child has suffered sexual abuse and the accused is another member of the clergy, or an employee, of the same church, religious organization, religious denomination, religious body, spiritual community, or sect, he or she shall report such incident, or cause a report to be made, to the proper law enforcement agency or to the department as provided in RCW 26.44.040.

Declares that the reporting requirement of this act does not apply to a member of the clergy with regard to information obtained solely as a result of a confession made under the clergy-penitent privilege as provided in RCW 5.60.060(3).

Declares that nothing in this act may be construed to create civil liability of any kind or to add reporting obligations of members of the clergy beyond those specifically stated in this act.