(1) Does the state require everyone to report child abuse, including sex abuse? No.
(2) Does the law require coaches to report child abuse? Yes, if they are employees. The law requires “employees of any public or private agency providing recreational or sports activities” to report suspected abuse.
(3) Does the law require college staff to report child abuse? Not explicitly, but college staff could fall under several other categories of mandatory reporters under the statute. Therefore, many college employees likely carry a duty to report.
(4) Does the law allow jail time for those who fail to properly report abuse? Yes; the penalty is a petty misdemeanor, which his punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Note: The statute explicitly states that the legislature did not intend to create a path for civil liability against an individual who fails to report.
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