Bill > A08063

This bill expands the requirements for reporting child abuse by adding clergy members to the list of mandatory reporters in New York State's social services law. Under the new provisions, clergy members and ministers of any religion will be required to report suspected child abuse or maltreatment when they encounter such information in their professional capacity, with some important nuanced exceptions. Specifically, if a clergy member learns about potential abuse through a confidential confession, they are not required to report it unless the person making the confession waives the privilege. However, if the clergy member receives information about potential child abuse through other means, they must promptly report it. The bill also provides specific definitions for terms like "member of the clergy" and "religious institution," and emphasizes that clergy members are still obligated to take steps to prevent perpetrators from committing additional acts of abuse. This legislation aims to close potential reporting gaps and enhance child protection by ensuring that religious leaders are actively involved in identifying and reporting potential child abuse, while still respecting the sanctity of certain confidential religious communications.

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https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8063