House Bill No. by Representative Bacala amends the Children's Code to clarify the role of school resource officers as mandatory reporters of child abuse or neglect. The bill specifically states that police officers or law enforcement officials working as school resource officers are considered mandatory reporters. It repeals the previous prohibition that prevented school resource officers from receiving information from other mandatory reporters and from commencing or overseeing investigations into reports. However, it establishes that school resource officers cannot receive mandatory reports if the report involves a school employee suspected of illegal activity.

Additionally, the bill retains existing provisions that require mandatory reporters to report instances of child abuse or neglect and outlines the procedures for reporting. It also introduces a new requirement for the department to determine if a person involved in an investigation is an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces or their spouse, in which case the department must notify the United States Department of Defense Family Advocacy Program. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the reporting process and ensure that school resource officers can effectively fulfill their responsibilities while maintaining necessary safeguards.