SB 2776 Summary

• Requires the Department of Child Protection Services to make intake reports to youth court (either written or oral) instead of allowing any person or agency to make reports

• Mandates mandatory reporters (attorneys, physicians, nurses, teachers, law enforcement, etc.) to report suspected child abuse or neglect directly to the Department of Child Protection Services rather than to youth court

• Requires the Department of Child Protection Services to establish triage procedures and notify the youth court intake unit within 72 hours of report assignment or within 24 hours of child removal from home

• Updates internal statutory references in Sections 43-20-17, 43-21-257, 43-21-261, and 43-21-907 to conform with the amended reporting structure

• Sunsets on July 1, 2026, with an effective date of July 1, 2025