The bill amends Washington state law to enhance the duty of clergy and other professionals to report suspected child abuse or neglect. It broadens the definition of "member of the clergy" to include various religious leaders, such as imams and elders, who are now mandated to report any reasonable suspicion of child abuse. The legislation also clarifies that the reporting obligation extends to adults in supervisory roles and establishes specific conditions under which they must report incidents. Additionally, it emphasizes that any adult with reasonable cause to believe a child has suffered severe abuse is required to report, and it sets forth a timeline for such reporting. The bill further mandates that the department of children, youth, and families notify law enforcement in severe cases, particularly when a child has died or sustained significant injuries.

Moreover, the bill outlines new procedures for the reporting and investigation of child abuse and neglect, including strict timelines for law enforcement to notify the department of reports received. Emergency cases must be reported within twenty-four hours, while all other cases have a seventy-two-hour window. It details the responsibilities of county prosecutors and city attorneys in communicating with victims about charging decisions and allows for ongoing case planning with various stakeholders, including representatives from Washington Indian tribes. The legislation introduces a structured response system for reports, emphasizing voluntary services and parental involvement, and mandates the maintenance of investigation records. It also requires the department to notify guardians ad litem in relevant cases and determine the military status of parents involved in allegations. Lastly, the bill calls for the creation of a public poster outlining reporting requirements to be displayed by organizations with reporting obligations.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 26.44.030
Substitute Bill: 26.44.030