AN ACT relating to child welfare investigations.

HB 329 requires mandated reporters (such as teachers, healthcare workers, and child-care staff) to immediately report suspected child dependency, neglect, or abuse to authorities via oral, written, or electronic means. It specifies the required details in reports, including child and caregiver information, nature of the alleged harm, and source of suspicion, and mandates a 24/7 statewide hotline operated by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. The bill also clarifies that certain legal privileges (like doctor-patient confidentiality) do not block reporting, and expands reporting obligations for human trafficking and female genital mutilation cases involving children. These changes directly affect professionals working with children and the state’s child welfare agencies handling investigations.