IL HB2771

Adds attorney-client privilege exemption to child abuse and neglect reporting requirements, preventing attorneys from disclosing privileged communications with individual clients under Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1.6.

Maintains existing mandatory reporting obligations for over 50 categories of professionals including physicians, teachers, social workers, law enforcement, and clergy who have reasonable cause to believe a child is abused or neglected.

Requires school districts to disclose to prospective employers that a job applicant was the subject of a child abuse report made by a current or former employee, unless allegations were found unfounded.

Establishes criminal penalties for violations including Class A misdemeanor for first offense and Class 4 felony for subsequent violations of reporting requirements; knowingly transmitting false reports is a Class 4 felony.

Permits clergy to claim privilege under Section 8-803 of the Code of Civil Procedure and prohibits home rule units from regulating child abuse reporting in a manner inconsistent with state law.