Bill > SB00258

This bill proposes to amend existing state statutes to require providers of reproductive health care and reproductive counseling to become mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect. Mandatory reporters are professionals who are legally obligated to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to government authorities, such as child protective services, when they encounter evidence or have reasonable suspicion of such abuse during their professional interactions. In this specific legislation, reproductive health care providers and counselors would be added to the existing list of mandatory reporters, which typically includes professionals like teachers, doctors, and social workers. The bill also establishes financial penalties for these providers who fail to report suspected child abuse or neglect as required by law. The primary purpose of this legislation is to expand the network of professionals who are legally required to help protect children by identifying and reporting potential instances of abuse, with a specific focus on expanding reporting requirements within the reproductive health care sector.

Health and Social Services

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB00258&which_year=2025