The bill establishes the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Working Group in Vermont, tasked with examining and recommending updates to the state's mandatory reporting laws regarding child abuse and neglect. The bill highlights concerning statistics, such as Vermont's referral rate to child welfare services being over three times the national average and a significantly lower percentage of referrals meeting criteria for further action. The Working Group will focus on modernizing reporting requirements, ensuring they align with best practices, and exploring services that can assist families before situations escalate to the need for reporting.

The Working Group will consist of various members, including individuals with lived experiences related to child abuse and neglect, representatives from relevant organizations, and state officials. It is required to consult with stakeholders and provide interim and final reports detailing its findings and recommendations by specified deadlines. The bill emphasizes the importance of clarity in statutory definitions, consistency in requirements, and the exploration of alternatives to mandatory reporting when appropriate. The act will take effect upon passage.