RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 216 (HB 335) 2024 Regular Session Carver
Relative to mandatory reporting of child abuse or neglect, new law modifies the definition
of "teaching or child care provider" in existing law to include school resource officers and
otherwise retains existing law.
New law retains existing law provision relative to "police officers or law enforcement
officials". New law further requires any police officer or law enforcement official who works
as a school resource officer to be considered a mandatory reporter.
New law does not require a school resource officer to receive information from another
mandatory reporter or commence or oversee any investigation into the report.
New law revises existing law provisions to require certain reporters to report that suspected
child abuse was a contributing factor to the death of the child to the Dept. of Family and
Children Services (DCFS) or local or state law enforcement.
New law revises prior law provisions that stipulate measures for mandatory reporters and
permitted reporters to report to DCFS.
New law requires a mandatory reporter to make a report of suspected abuse or neglect
requiring immediate assistance via the designated state child protection reporting hotline
telephone number. New law further requires a permitted reporter to make a report through
the designated state child protection reporting hotline telephone number or in person at any
child welfare office.
New law provides that if a mandatory reporter is prohibited from making an immediate
report because of employment policies, he shall be permitted to file a complaint with law
enforcement.
New law further provides for penalties against an employer who discriminates or retaliates
against an employee who is a mandatory reporter.
New law requires DCFS to determine whether a parent or caretaker who is under
investigation for allegedly committing a crime of abuse or neglect is an active duty member
of the United States Armed Forces or the spouse of a member on active duty.
Effective upon signature of governor (May 23, 2024).
(Amends Ch.C. Arts. 603(17)(d) and (e) and 610(A))