Eliminate clergy exemption in mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect

This bill requires members of the clergy in Montana to report suspected child abuse and neglect to state authorities, removing their previous exemption from mandatory reporting laws. The law applies specifically to clergy members who learn of abuse through statements or confessions made in their religious capacity, though it preserves confidentiality if the communication is protected by church doctrine or if the person making the confession does not consent to disclosure. Under the new provisions, clergy must report abuse they know about or have reasonable cause to suspect, but they are exempt from reporting if the information came from a confidential confession intended for religious purposes and the individual did not agree to share it. The change affects all clergy members defined under Montana law and aligns their reporting obligations with other professionals like teachers, doctors, and social workers who are already required to report suspected child abuse.