S.B. 2502 Summary

• Adds four new categories of mandatory child abuse and neglect reporters to Hawaii law: members of the clergy, commercial computer technicians, commercial film and photographic print or image processors, and administrators and employees of organizations with direct contact with or supervision of children.

• Requires commercial computer technicians and film/photographic processors who encounter images of child sexual abuse to immediately report by telephone to local police and provide written follow-up reports within 36 hours (technicians) or as soon as practicable (processors).

• Exempts clergy members from reporting requirements when knowledge of abuse is acquired during penitential communications (such as sacramental confession), but requires reporting in all other professional capacities.

• Provides a "safe harbor" period through December 31, 2020, allowing clergy to report previously unreported child abuse without penalty, regardless of when the abuse occurred.

• Requires all employers of mandatory reporters to provide approved statements to employees upon hiring that clearly explain their obligation to report child abuse and neglect.