Vermont H0880 repeals clergy privilege to not report child abuse and neglect.

Vermont H0880 amends the state's law to remove the exception allowing clergy to withhold reporting child abuse and neglect. The bill repeals the four-pronged exception that permits clergy not to report such cases when they are received in confidence while acting as a spiritual advisor. Additionally, it removes a provision that mandates reporting of information that falls outside of the exception, even if it was learned in a manner that falls within the exception. This change means clergy must report any information about child abuse or neglect they receive, regardless of the circumstances.

Vermont H0880 repeals clergy privilege to not report child abuse and neglect.

Vermont H0880 amends the state's law to remove the exception allowing clergy to withhold reporting child abuse and neglect. The bill repeals the four-pronged exception that permits clergy not to report such cases when they are received in confidence while acting as a spiritual advisor. Additionally, it removes a provision that mandates reporting of information that falls outside of the exception, even if it was learned in a manner that falls within the exception. This change means clergy must report any information about child abuse or neglect they receive, regardless of the circumstances.