VT H0880

Repeals the four-pronged exception that currently allows clergy members to avoid reporting child abuse and neglect when information is received during confidential spiritual advising, acts of contrition, or communications protected by religious law

Removes the provision that required clergy to report abuse learned outside the confidential spiritual advisor context, even if they also received information about the same incident within that protected context

Amends 33 V.S.A. § 4913 to establish that no person, including clergy, may refuse to make a required child abuse report based on privilege or confidential communication grounds

Effective date: July 1, 2026