HB 337 Summary

• Creates a qualified advocate-victim privilege protecting confidential communications between trained advocates and victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, menacing by stalking, or sexual violence in civil, criminal, administrative, and education discipline proceedings.

• Adds "qualified advocate" to the list of mandated child abuse reporters under section 2151.421, requiring them to report suspected child abuse or neglect despite the new privilege, with limited exceptions.

• Exempts qualified advocates from the crime of failure to report certain crimes when they withhold confidential victim communications that fall under the new privilege, while maintaining duty to report child abuse.

• Defines "qualified advocate" as someone with at least 40 hours of training in advocacy for victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, menacing by stalking, or sexual violence, working for a qualified victim services program.

• Establishes specific exceptions allowing disclosure of privileged communications when needed to defend against claims, prevent imminent harm, or when victim voluntarily reveals the substance of communications.