The bill proposes to eliminate the exemption for members of the clergy from the mandatory reporting requirements for child abuse and neglect in Montana. Specifically, it amends Section 41-3-201 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to remove the provisions that previously allowed clergy members to refrain from reporting if the knowledge or suspicion of abuse was obtained through confidential communications, such as confessions. The new language clarifies that all professionals and officials listed in the reporting requirements must report suspected abuse or neglect without the ability to invoke any privilege related to confidentiality.

Additionally, the bill establishes an immediate effective date upon passage and approval. This legislative change aims to strengthen the protection of children by ensuring that all individuals who have knowledge or reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect are obligated to report it, thereby closing a loophole that previously allowed clergy members to avoid reporting under certain circumstances.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 41-3-201
SB0139_1(1): 41-3-201
SB0139_1(2): 41-3-201
SB0139_1(3): 41-3-201
SB0139_1: 41-3-201