Sub. H.B. No. 523 Summary

• Establishes mandatory animal abuse reporting requirements for veterinarians, social service professionals, and licensed counselors/social workers/therapists who must immediately report suspected violations to law enforcement officers.

• Creates civil penalties of $100 for first violations and $500 for subsequent violations of animal abuse reporting requirements, with collected penalties deposited into the domestic violence program fund.

• Requires public children services agencies investigating child abuse/neglect to notify the Department of Defense Family Advocacy Program if the alleged perpetrator serves in the armed forces.

• Requires peace officers investigating domestic violence (section 2919.25) to notify the Department of Defense Family Advocacy Program if the alleged violator serves in the armed forces.

• Modifies licensing and continuing education requirements for counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists, including new provisions for reciprocal endorsement of licenses and updated educational program accreditation standards.