SENATE BILL REPORT

ESB 6600

BYSenators Pullen, Talmadge, Rinehart and Saling

Revising provisions relating to child abuse reporting by public employees.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 1, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Pullen, Chairman, McCaslin, Vice Chairman; Halsan, Hayner, Madsen, Nelson, Niemi, Talmadge.

Senate Staff:Jeanne Cushman Scott (786-7461)

                  February 11, 1988

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 10, 1988

BACKGROUND:

By law some public employees have a duty to report abuse or neglect of children, adult dependents, or developmentally disabled persons.  The duty to report arises when there is reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect.  When a legal action is brought against the public employee for failure to report abuse or neglect the public employee must personally bear the cost of legal defense.

SUMMARY:

Public employers shall bear the expense of legal defense for employees who act in good faith and without gross negligence in their duty to report abuse or neglect of children or adult dependents or developmentally disabled persons.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Charles E. Talmadge, The Association of Washington School Principals