(1) Does the state require everyone to report child abuse, including sex abuse? No.
(2) Does the law require coaches to report child abuse? Not explicitly; however, coaches are required to report if employed by a school district.
(3) Does the law require college staff to report child abuse? Arguably, no. Local school employees are required to report, but the language in the statute does not appear to be broad enough to cover college staff.
(4) Does the law allow jail time for those who fail to properly report abuse? Yes, in select cases. A failure to report carries a fine of up to $500. A failure to report with the intent to cover up abuse carries a jail sentence of up to six months and a fine of up to $1,000. The mandatory reporting law also explicitly allows prosecutions under other sections of state criminal law.
Notes: The law does contain provisions which would appear to capture a coach and/or a higher education staff member as a “person responsible for a child’s welfare.” However, a “person responsible for a child’s welfare” is not included among the list of mandatory reporters.
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