HB 5779 Summary

• Expands mandatory child abuse and neglect reporting requirements to include animal control officers employed by local government who have reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect discovered during animal abuse or neglect investigations.

• Requires animal control officers to report suspected child abuse or neglect using the same procedures as other mandatory reporters: immediate telephone or online report to centralized intake, followed by written report within 72 hours.

• Adds seven specific Department of Human Services employee positions to mandatory reporting requirements (eligibility specialist, family independence manager/specialist, social services/work specialist, social work specialist manager, and welfare services specialist).

• Adds employees of organizations receiving federal funding who would otherwise be prohibited from reporting without state mandate or court order to mandatory reporting requirements.

• Takes effect 90 days after enactment and is contingent on House Bill 5780 being enacted into law.