SB96 Summary

• Amends Alabama Code Section 26-14-3 regarding mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect to require the Department of Human Resources to make efforts to determine if the parent or guardian is military personnel.

• Requires the Department of Human Resources to notify the United States Department of Defense family advocacy program at the military installation when a child abuse or neglect allegation involves a military parent or guardian under investigation.

• Maintains existing mandatory reporting requirements for hospitals, clinics, doctors, nurses, teachers, law enforcement officials, social workers, and other professionals to report suspected child abuse or neglect to appropriate authorities.

• Preserves existing protections for clergy members from mandatory reporting requirements for confidential communications and protects employees from retaliation for reporting suspected abuse.

• Becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor.