House Bill No. 451, introduced 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 also establishes that these officers cannot receive mandatory reports involving a school employee suspected of illegal activity, thereby ensuring that potential conflicts of interest are avoided.

Additionally, the bill repeals the previous prohibition that prevented school resource officers from receiving information from other mandatory reporters or from commencing or overseeing investigations into reports. It retains the requirement for mandatory reporters to report child abuse or neglect and introduces a new provision that mandates the department to notify the United States Department of Defense Family Advocacy Program if an investigation involves an active duty member of the Armed Forces or their spouse. This legislation aims to enhance the reporting process and ensure that appropriate actions are taken in cases of child abuse or neglect.