Brief Description: Requiring mandatory reporting of abuse or neglect of a child when discovered by a person connected with specified nonprofit entities.

Sponsors: Representatives Dickerson, Wallace, P. Sullivan, Kagi, Roberts, Simpson, Appleton, Moeller, Green, Ericks, Takko and Chase.

Hearing Date: February 7, 2005.

Staff: Sonja Hallum (786-7092).

Background:

Washington state has a law that requires various persons to report suspected child abuse to authorities. These persons are called "mandatory reporters." Under current law, it is mandatory that certain persons having reasonable cause to believe that a child has suffered abuse or neglect report the incident, or cause the incident to be reported, to the appropriate law enforcement agency or the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). There are a number of mandatory reporters listed in the current law.

The reporting requirement also extends to any adult who is able or capable of making a report and who has reasonable cause to believe that a child who resides with them has suffered severe abuse. An individual who is not a mandatory reporter is encouraged by statute to report suspected child abuse to the proper law enforcement agency or the DSHS.

Summary of Bill:

A person who is an employee, contractor, or volunteer of a nonprofit entity who has reasonable cause to believe that a child has suffered abuse or neglect is required to report the incident to the proper law enforcement agency or to the DSHS if the alleged perpetrator is an employee, contractor, or volunteer of the same nonprofit entity.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.