The bill amends South Dakota's mandatory reporting laws regarding suspected child abuse or neglect by adding "member of the clergy" to the list of professionals required to report such suspicions. This inclusion expands the scope of mandatory reporters to ensure that individuals in religious positions are held accountable for reporting any reasonable suspicions of child abuse or neglect. The bill maintains the existing requirement that any person who intentionally fails to report is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Additionally, the bill revises the confidentiality privileges in judicial proceedings related to alleged child abuse or neglect. It specifies that the privilege of confidentiality cannot be claimed in any court case involving a suspected abused or neglected child or in relation to reports made under the mandatory reporting laws. This change aims to enhance transparency and accountability in cases of child abuse or neglect, ensuring that reports can be fully investigated without the hindrance of confidentiality claims.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/29/2026: 26-8A-3, 26-8A-15