Members of the Senate State Affairs committee unanimously advanced a bill related to the initial reporting of child abuse.

 

Senate Bill 70 requires the person or persons who witnessed the first disclosure or evidence of child abuse are available when the initial report of the abuse is made to authorities.

 

Sen. Deb Soholt said the impetus for the bill, which originated from the Jolene’s Law Task Force, was “to connect the dots” immediately upon report or witness of child abuse.

 

An amendment to the bill opted for language requesting the person or persons who were present at first disclosure or witness of the abuse be available at the time the initial report of the abuse is made.

 

Proponents of the bill and amendment said the availability of the original witness to assist when the initial report of alleged child abuse is recorded is vital to the process.

 

SB 70 will now be reviewed by the Senate. ASBSD is monitoring the bill.

 

For more updates on SB 70 and other legislation, check the Blog or Bill Tracker page.