SB559 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

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all persons required to report with reasonable cause to suspect a child is being abused or neglected, Sec. 26-14-4 repealed; Sec. 26-14-3 am'd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

SB559 would require every person in Alabama to report suspected child abuse or neglect when there is reasonable cause, and it would eliminate the previous permissive reporting rule.

What This Bill Does

It expands mandatory reporting to all individuals who have reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect. It requires the reporter to make an oral report immediately to the proper authority, followed by a written report. It repeals the permissive reporting provision, making reporting mandatory rather than optional. It also outlines how reports flow between law enforcement, the Department of Human Resources, schools, and state facilities, and notes clergy confidentiality exceptions for privileged communications.

Who It Affects

• All individuals in Alabama would be required to report suspected child abuse or neglect if they have reasonable cause.
• Professionals and organizations that work with children (e.g., hospitals/clinics, doctors, teachers, law enforcement, social workers, day care workers, mental health professionals, clergy, and others) would be mandatory reporters and must report immediately.

Key Provisions

• Amends 26-14-3 to require all persons to report or cause a report to be made when there is reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or neglect, with immediate oral reporting followed by a written report to a duly constituted authority.
• Repeals 26-14-4, removing the permissive (optional) reporting provision.
• Maintains and clarifies reporting flow: initial reports to law enforcement inform the Department of Human Resources to provide protective services; school and state facility reports are handled by the appropriate agencies; final investigations are documented and entered into state records; interagency procedures are allowed.
• Clergy are exempt from reporting information gained solely in confidential communications privileged under Rule 505, maintaining the privilege.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Children