The bill aims to strengthen the reporting and prevention of child sexual abuse in Washington State by amending existing laws and introducing new provisions. It emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive training, reporting mechanisms, and background checks for individuals working with children, in light of the rising allegations of abuse against trusted adults. A significant change is the designation of clergy members as mandatory reporters of child abuse, with specific exceptions for information obtained in a sacred context. The bill expands the definition of "member of the clergy" to include a wider range of religious leaders and clarifies the reporting obligations for various professionals, particularly those in supervisory roles.

Additionally, the legislation outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) in responding to reports of child abuse or neglect, establishing procedures for investigations and family assessments, and mandating record-keeping and public information dissemination regarding reporting requirements. It also amends laws related to educational service districts and the superintendent of public instruction, requiring them to maintain records of sexual abuse allegations and investigations, and to implement preventative measures. The bill further expands the superintendent's duties to include data collection on sexual abuse incidents and mandates psychological screening, training, and background checks for school employees and volunteers, along with an annual independent audit process to ensure compliance with these safety measures.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 26.44.020, 26.44.030, 28A.310.280, 28A.300.040