DE HB74

Amends § 909 of Title 16 of the Delaware Code to remove the priest-penitent privilege in sacramental confession as an exception to mandatory child abuse reporting requirements.

Eliminates the legal privilege between priest and penitent in sacramental confession when child abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment is known or suspected.

Requires priests to report suspected child abuse and neglect cases to authorities, effective January 8, 2023.

Requires priests to provide or accept evidence in judicial proceedings relating to child abuse or neglect despite previous sacramental confidentiality protections.

Maintains attorney-client privilege and priest-penitent privilege for non-abuse related matters as exceptions to mandatory reporting requirements.