SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6556
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of January 27, 2020
Title: An act relating to expanding reporting options for mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect.
Brief Description: Expanding reporting options for mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect.
Sponsors: Senators Cleveland, Darneille and Wilson, C.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Human Services, Reentry & Rehabilitation: 1/28/20.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES, REENTRY & REHABILITATION |
Staff: Alison Mendiola (786-7488)
Background: Mandatory Reporting Laws and Offenses. Mandatory reporting laws require certain people to report suspected child abuse or neglect to DCYF or law enforcement, when a reporter has reasonable cause to believe that a child has suffered abuse or neglect.
People designated as mandatory reporters are:
any practitioner;
county coroner;
medical examiner;
law enforcement officer;
professional school personnel;
registered or licensed nurse;
social service counselor;
psychologist;
pharmacist;
employee of the Department of Early Learning;
licensed or certified child care providers or their employees;
employee of the Department of Social and Health Services;
juvenile probation officer;
placement and liaison specialist;
responsible living skills program staff;
HOPE center staff;
state family and children's ombuds or any volunteer in the ombuds's office;
Department of Corrections personnel;
guardian ad litems;
court appointed special advocates;
any person in an official supervisory capacity with a profit or nonprofit organization;
administrative, academic, or athletic department employees of higher learning institutions; and
any adult who has reasonable cause to believe that a child who resides with the adult is a victim of abuse or neglect.
Any person who has reason to believe that child abuse or neglect has occurred may report that information.
Summary of Bill: Subject to funding appropriated for this specific purpose, DCYF must establish, develop, and implement a web-based reporting portal accessible to those mandated to report child abuse and neglect. DCYF must establish, develop, and implement a call-back option for callers placed on hold to provide a phone number for DCYF to return a call to complete the report of child abuse and neglect.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 23, 2020.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.