HB197 Summary

• Adopts "Erin's Law" in Alabama to establish child sexual abuse prevention programs in all K-12 public schools using age-appropriate curriculum including role plays, discussions, and activities.

• Requires schools to teach children to recognize safe/unsafe touch and secrets, equip them with skills to reduce vulnerability, and encourage reporting of abuse.

• Creates the Governor's Task Force on Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Children with 12 members representing state agencies, school districts, and legislative committees to adopt guidelines and submit recommendations to the Governor and Legislature by December 31, 2015.

• Mandates minimum program components including at least four annual reinforcement sessions, professional staff training on disclosure handling and mandated reporting, and parental involvement information on offender characteristics and grooming behaviors.

• Becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval.