Lawmakers Seek Tougher Child Abuse Reporting Penalties Across States

Indiana lawmakers are advancing House Bill 1412, which aims to increase penalties for failing to report child abuse in institutions such as schools and gyms, responding to scandals like the one involving USA Gymnastics. The proposed legislation would classify the failure to report as a class A misdemeanor, escalating to a felony for repeat offenders, with maximum sentences increasing from six months to a year. In Utah, Rep. Stephen Whyte is also pushing for changes to sexual offense laws, highlighting the state's high rates of child sexual abuse and proposing stricter penalties for repeat offenders. Meanwhile, Washington is considering making clergy mandatory reporters of child abuse, a significant shift as it currently lacks such a requirement. These legislative efforts reflect a growing recognition of the need for stronger safeguards against child abuse across various institutions. The spotlight on these issues is underscored by recent investigations into child abuse cases across multiple states, revealing systemic failures and ongoing risks.