ID H0455

Expands mandatory reporters to include professional child care workers (age 18+), counselors, therapists, mental health professionals, and substance abuse counselors who must report suspected child abuse, abandonment, or neglect within 24 hours to law enforcement or the department.

Extends reporting requirements to all Idaho residents not listed as mandatory reporters, who must also report suspected abuse within 24 hours, but without penalty for failure to report.

Creates an exemption for duly ordained ministers of religion regarding confessions or confidential communications made in their ecclesiastical capacity, provided the church qualifies as tax-exempt under federal law and the communication was made under conditions of inviolable confidentiality per canon law or church doctrine.

Maintains immunity from civil or criminal liability for persons making good faith reports of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect, and eliminates most professional privileges (except attorney-client) from being used to exclude evidence in proceedings involving child abuse.

Establishes failure to report child abuse as a misdemeanor offense.