HB301 Summary

• Amends Section 26-14-3 of the Code of Alabama to add physical therapists and employees of public and private institutions of postsecondary and higher education to the list of mandatory reporters of known or suspected child abuse or neglect.

• Clarifies that both public and private school employees, teachers, and officials are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect orally (by telephone or direct communication) immediately, followed by a written report to a duly constituted authority.

• Makes it a Class C misdemeanor for any public or private employer to discharge, suspend, discipline, or penalize an employee solely for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect pursuant to this section.

• Became effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.

• House passed the bill on April 9, 2013, and the Senate passed it on May 2, 2013.