SB393 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Clyde ChamblissSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Child abuse, law enforcement and Dept. of Human Resources, reports of suspected abuse require to be made to both law enforcement and Dept. of Human Resources, and delegate investigative duties between both, Secs. 26-14-1, 26-14-3 am'd.

Summary

SB393 would require that suspected child abuse or neglect be reported to both local police and the Department of Human Resources, with investigators split between criminal cases handled by law enforcement and all other cases handled by DHR.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill mandates dual, immediate oral and written reports to local law enforcement and DHR for suspected child abuse or neglect. Local law enforcement would investigate criminal abuse or neglect; DHR would investigate all other reports and provide protective services as appropriate. It also strengthens reporting requirements for many mandated reporters, allows interagency cooperation, and includes provisions on records, military status notifications, and penalties for employers who retaliate against reporters.

Who It Affects

• Children and their families, who would receive coordinated investigations and protective services from both law enforcement and DHR, with additional considerations for military families when a parent is in the military.
• Local law enforcement agencies and the Department of Human Resources, which would receive dual reports, share investigative duties, and potentially enter interagency agreements to conduct investigations.

Key Provisions

• Requires oral and written reports of suspected child abuse/neglect to both local law enforcement and the Department of Human Resources.
• Local law enforcement investigates criminal abuse/neglect; DHR investigates all other reports.
• Mandated reporters (hospitals, clinics, schools, teachers, clergy, etc.) must report immediately by phone or direct communication and follow with a written report to both agencies.
• Interagency agreements are allowed to define procedures and may let DHR assist law enforcement and other agencies in investigations.
• If an investigation does not result in a conviction, the agency must expunge the record.
• DHR must determine the military status of the parent/guardian and notify DoD family advocacy if the parent is in the military.
• Discharging, suspending, disciplining, or penalizing an employee solely for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect is a Class C misdemeanor.
• The act becomes law on the first day of the third month after it passes and is approved.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Child Abuse