SB 1155 Summary

• Modifies the clergy-penitent privilege in civil litigation (section 12-2233) to require disclosure of confessions involving ongoing abuse.

• Adds new reporting obligation for clergy, Christian Science practitioners, and priests who have reasonable suspicion that child abuse or neglect is currently occurring or will occur in the future (new subsection B of section 13-3620).

• Narrows the existing clergy exemption from mandatory reporting by distinguishing between past confessions (which may be withheld only if abuse is ongoing) and personal observations (which must always be reported).

• Changes the standard for when clergy must report from "it is reasonable and necessary within the concepts of the religion" to "reasonable suspicion to believe that the abuse is ongoing, will continue or may be a threat to other minors."