Senate Bill 432 aims to enhance mandatory reporting requirements for suspected child abuse or neglect in Wisconsin. The bill mandates that child welfare departments refer all reports of threatened or suspected abuse to law enforcement, rather than just specific cases as previously required. It also expands the definition of mandatory reporters to include employees of child welfare agencies who interact directly with children or handle child welfare cases. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the term "social worker" refers specifically to individuals holding a social worker certificate granted by the relevant professional board.

The bill amends existing statutes to ensure that all cases of suspected or threatened abuse are reported to law enforcement within 12 hours, excluding weekends and holidays. It removes previous language that limited the types of abuse that required reporting and establishes a clearer framework for how child welfare departments must handle these cases. Overall, the legislation seeks to strengthen protections for children by ensuring that all suspected abuse is promptly reported to the appropriate authorities.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 48.981(2)(a)10, 48.981, 48.981(3)(a)3