SB 891 Summary

• Mandated reporters must report suspected child abuse, neglect, or imminent risk of serious harm to children under 18, and school employees must report certain sex offenses committed by school employees against students.

• Failure to report is a class A misdemeanor, escalating to a class E felony if the violation is subsequent, willful/intentional/grossly negligent, or involved actual knowledge of abuse.

• Intentionally interfering with or preventing a report is a class D felony, with exceptions for minors and students.

• Persons convicted of failing to report must participate in an approved educational and training program paid entirely through participant fees approved by the commissioner.

• Commissioner of Children and Families must investigate delayed or failed reports, maintain a database, and refer cases to the Chief State's Attorney; various teaching credential provisions are updated to reference the failure to report violation.