Enact V.J.'s Law

Health care professionals are now required to report suspected abuse or neglect to both a peace officer and the public children services agency, whereas the original text allowed reporting to either one.

The bill adds specific exceptions where health care professionals are not required to report if the abuse stems from a client's attempt to have an abortion without parental notification, or if the abuse involves a penitent in a cleric-penitent relationship.

New provisions explicitly define who qualifies as a 'health care professional' for reporting purposes and clarify the duties of clerics regarding reporting abuse committed by other religious leaders.

New penalties are established, including a first-degree misdemeanor for health care professionals who fail to report abuse committed by a cleric within the same religious organization.

Detailed definitions are added for terms such as 'health care professional,' 'cleric,' 'sacred trust,' and 'out-of-home care' to clarify the application of the law.