CA AB970

Authorizes Los Angeles County to establish a 2-year pilot program testing a new model for mandatory reporting of child abuse or neglect, with provisions repealing on January 1, 2030

Requires development of comprehensive mandated reporter training covering legal standards, reporting duties, cognitive biases, and racial disproportionality in the child welfare system

Creates an internet-based decision-support tool (prohibited from using predictive analysis) developed collaboratively with the State Department of Social Services that recommends whether reporters should file a report, consult the hotline, refer to community services, or take no action

Shields mandated reporters who complete the training, use the decision-support tool, and follow its recommendations from civil liability, criminal penalties, and professional licensing consequences for failing to report

Requires Los Angeles County to conduct a comprehensive evaluation and report findings to the Legislature by October 31, 2029, including data on tool usage, referrals to services, and hotline reports