Concerning the duty of clergy to report child abuse and neglect.

HB 1211 would require clergy, including ministers, priests, rabbis, imams, and other religious leaders, to report suspected child abuse and neglect in Washington state. This bill amends the state's child abuse reporting law (RCW 26.44.020 and 26.44.030) to remove a previous exemption for clergy, making them mandated reporters under the same standards as other professionals. The key change broadens the definition of "member of the clergy" to include diverse religious leaders and integrates them into the reporting framework. This directly affects religious leaders who interact with children in Washington, requiring them to report suspicions of abuse or neglect to child protective services.