SB559 Summary

• Amends Section 26-14-3 of the Alabama Code to expand child abuse and neglect reporting requirements to all persons, not just specified professionals.

• Requires any person to report child abuse or neglect if they have reasonable cause to suspect a child is being abused or neglected in a home, institution, or being subjected to conditions that would reasonably result in abuse or neglect.

• Maintains existing mandatory reporting duties for hospitals, clinics, doctors, nurses, teachers, law enforcement, social workers, mental health professionals, and clergy (with exceptions for confidential privileged communications).

• Repeals Section 26-14-4, which previously allowed optional reporting by persons not specifically designated as mandatory reporters.

• Takes effect on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.