HB 5555
Modifying the process of mandatory reporting.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill modifies West Virginia’s mandatory reporting requirements for suspected child abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect. It expands the list of professionals and individuals who are required to report these concerns to law enforcement, including school personnel and certain emergency services workers. The bill also mandates that schools provide written statements about reporting requirements to their employees and obtain signed acknowledgments of receipt and understanding. Finally, it clarifies that anyone with reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect can also make a report.
Key provisions
- Expands the list of individuals required to report suspected child abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect.
- Requires county boards of education and private school administrators to provide reporting information to employees.
- Mandates schools to obtain signed acknowledgments of receipt and understanding of reporting requirements.
- Allows any person with reasonable cause to report suspected abuse or neglect.
- Specifies that reporting to a supervisor or person in charge does not exempt individuals from their reporting obligations.
- Requires reporting to the State Police and local law enforcement in cases of serious physical or sexual abuse.
- Applies reporting requirements to individuals under the age of 18.
Who is affected
- Medical professionals
- Dental professionals
- Mental health professionals
- School teachers and personnel
- Social service workers
Notable changes
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