Bill > SB139

This bill removes the existing exemption that previously allowed members of the clergy to withhold reporting child abuse or neglect under certain confidentiality circumstances. Currently, clergy members were not required to report abuse if the information came from a confidential communication within their religious role, such as a confession or statement intended to be confidential under church doctrine. The proposed legislation eliminates these exceptions, mandating that clergy members, like other professionals such as teachers, healthcare workers, and social workers, must report suspected child abuse or neglect when they become aware of it through their professional capacity. By removing the clergy-specific exemptions, the bill aims to ensure that all professionals who interact with children have a legal obligation to report potential abuse, regardless of the source or nature of the information they receive. The bill will take effect immediately upon passage and approval, meaning clergy members will be required to report suspected child abuse without the previous religious confidentiality protections.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0700