HB676 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Oliver Robinson

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Mary MooreMerika ColemanJohn W. RogersRod Scott

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Reporting child abuse and neglect, all persons required to report with reasonable cause to suspect a child is being abused or neglected, Sec. 26-14-4 repealed; Sec. 26-14-3 am'd

Summary

HB676 would require every person to report suspected child abuse or neglect, removing the old permissive reporting option.

What This Bill Does

All people with reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect would be required to report it. The bill repeals the previous permissive reporting option. Reports must be made orally immediately and then in writing to a designated authority. It also sets how law enforcement and the Department of Human Resources handle reports, share information, and maintain a central registry, including expunging records if an investigation does not lead to a conviction.

Who It Affects

• All people in Alabama are required to report if they have reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect.
• Organizations and professionals who interact with children (such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, teachers, social workers, law enforcement) are subject to the same mandatory reporting rules and must carry out the required reports.

Key Provisions

• Universal mandatory reporting: all persons must report suspected child abuse or neglect if they have reasonable cause to suspect it; repeals the prior permissive reporting provision.
• Reporting procedure: initial oral report must be made immediately, followed by a written report to a duly constituted authority.
• Interagency flow: law enforcement must inform the Department of Human Resources, which handles protective services and coordinates investigations, with relevant reports shared between agencies.
• Privacy and records: if an investigation does not result in a conviction, the agency must expunge the report and related data; clergy are exempt from reporting information gained in confidential communications under Rule 505.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Children