MT SB139

Removes the exemption that allowed clergy members and priests to avoid mandatory reporting of child abuse or neglect when information was received during confidential confessions or communications protected by canon law, church doctrine, or established church practice

Makes clergy subject to the same mandatory reporting requirements as other professionals including physicians, nurses, teachers, social workers, law enforcement, and foster care workers

Clergy who know or have reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect must now promptly report to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services

Effective immediately upon passage and approval