HB 346: Enact V.J.'s Law

The bill requires mandatory reporters of child abuse or neglect to report to both a peace officer and the public children services agency. This includes professionals such as doctors, lawyers, teachers, and social workers. The report must be made within a certain timeframe, and the person making the report is not required to reveal confidential communications made in certain professional relationships. However, if the person making the report knows or suspects that the child has suffered or faces a threat of suffering physical or mental harm, they must report the information. The bill also applies to certain individuals who work with children, such as foster caregivers, court-appointed special advocates, and guardians ad litem.<br>This law requires anyone who knows or suspects child abuse or neglect to report it to the proper authorities. If a report is made, the person making the repor…