Legislation watch
Capitol Building

2012 House Bill 2331: Concerning mandatory reporting of child abuse or neglect
  1. Introduced by Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson, (D-Seattle) (D) on January 11, 2012, revises current reporting requirements regarding suspected child abuse or neglect to include any adult, not just those with whom the child resides, to report any instance of suspected abuse. This act redefines child abuse to include injury that causes bleeding, deep bruising, significant external or internal swelling, bone fracture, or unconsciousness; any act or acts of withholding basic necessities of life that create or cause an imminent risk of substantial bodily harm; or any act of intentionally touching the sexual or other intimate parts of a child for the purpose of gratifying sexual desire.
    • Referred to the House Early Learning & Human Services Committee on January 11, 2012.
      • Substitute offered in the House on January 26, 2012, modifies the definition of "severe abuse or neglect" to clarify that the mandatory reporting requirement is triggered by an act of abuse that causes substantial, rather than minor, bleeding.
    • Referred to the House Rules Committee on January 31, 2012.
  2. Passed 59 to 38 in the House on February 9, 2012, requires that any adult who has reasonable cause to believe that a child has suffered severe abuse or neglect must report such abuse or neglect to law enforcement or the Department of Social and Health Services. Provides that the penalty for a mandatory reporter who knowingly fails to report is a misdemeanor.
    Who Voted "Yes" and Who Voted "No"

  3. Received in the Senate on February 11, 2012.
    • Referred to the Senate Human Services & Corrections Committee on February 11, 2012.
    • Referred to the House Rules Committee on March 8, 2012.

Comments