Child sexual abuse: mandated reporting.

Existing law, the Child Abuse Neglect and Reporting Act, makes certain persons mandated reporters. Under existing law, mandated reporters are required to report whenever the mandated reporter, in his or her professional capacity or within the scope of his or her employment, has knowledge of or observes a child whom the mandated reporter knows or reasonably suspects has been the victim of child abuse or neglect. Failure of a mandated reporter to report an incident of known or reasonably suspected child abuse or neglect is a misdemeanor. This bill would require any competent adult, as defined, to report a reasonable suspicion of child sexual abuse and would make failure to report punishable by a range of fines and imprisonment based on the level of the failure. By creating a new crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.