The bill amends South Dakota law to include coaches as mandatory reporters of child abuse or neglect. Specifically, it adds the phrase "coach who is subject to the requirement of 13-36-10," to the list of professionals required to report suspected abuse or neglect of children under the age of eighteen. This inclusion emphasizes the responsibility of coaches, alongside other professionals such as physicians, social workers, and law enforcement officers, to report any reasonable suspicions of child abuse or neglect. Additionally, the bill clarifies that these mandatory reporters must report their suspicions in accordance with existing reporting laws outlined in sections 26-8A-6, 26-8A-7, and 26-8A-8. It maintains the penalties for failing to report, categorizing intentional non-compliance as a Class 1 misdemeanor. The overall aim of the bill is to enhance child protection by ensuring that more individuals in positions of authority and trust are legally obligated to report suspected abuse or neglect.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/28/2026: 26-8A-3
House Judiciary Engrossed, 02/06/2026: 26-8A-3