NY S08778

Requires callers reporting suspected child abuse or maltreatment to the statewide central register to provide their name and contact information before the report can be transmitted to local child protective services for investigation

Creates an exception allowing reports to be transmitted without caller identification when the central register reasonably believes the caller is a child under age 18

Mandates that callers who decline to provide identifying information be connected to a supervisor who will explain confidentiality protections and inform them about available preventive and supportive services for families

Requires supervisors to warn anonymous callers that knowingly reporting false or baseless allegations constitutes a violation of penal law

Amends the effective date provisions of a 2025 law (S. 550-A/A. 66-A) regarding the statewide central register, with key sections taking effect 180 days after enactment