Reported by WHTM-ABC 27

April 15, 2014

Governor Tom Corbett has signed four additional bills aimed at protecting Pennsylvania's children from child abuse.

Senate Bill 21 clarifies the definition of mandatory reporter to include anyone who comes in contact with a child, or is directly responsible for the care, supervision, guidance, or training of a child.

House Bill 436 increases penalties for a mandatory reporter's failure to report suspected child abuse or make a referral to the proper authorities.

Senate Bill 33 provides protections from employment discrimination for filing a good faith report of child abuse.

House Bill 431 requires Department of State licensing boards with jurisdiction over licensees identified as mandatory reporters to provide training and continuing education on child abuse recognition and reporting.

Several of the new laws follow the recommendations from a November 2012 report by the Pennsylvania Task Force on Child Protection.

(Corbett signs additional child-protection bills," WHTM-ABC 27, 04/15/2014)