The bill creates the mandatory reporter task force (task force). The
purpose of the task force is to analyze best practices and recommend changes to training materials and reporting procedures for people required by law to report child abuse or neglect. The task force shall analyze the effectiveness of mandatory reporting and its relationship with systemic issues, including the disproportionate impact of mandatory reporting on
families of color and under-resourced communities. The task force may propose clarifications to the law to help implement its recommendations. The task force operates for 2 years. The task force shall submit a final report on its findings and recommendations on January 1, 2025, to the house of representatives public and behavioral health and human services committee and the senate health and human services committee, or their successor committees, the governor, and the department of human services.
The bill also updates mandatory reporting requirements and
procedures for people required to report child abuse or neglect (mandatory reporters). The updates include:
•
Changing the time frame for reporting child abuse or neglect from immediately to within 24 hours;
•
Requiring reporting on unlawful sexual behavior;
•
Requiring employers to notify and to provide materials to their employees regarding mandatory reporter responsibilities; and
•
Changing the mental state of a person who violates the mandatory reporter provision from willfully to knowingly.
