PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - Members of a House panel have approved a bill that strengthens South Dakota's enforced reporting of child abuse and neglect.
The House Health and Human Services Committee voted 11-0 on the measure Tuesday.
The bill adds volunteers or employees with child advocacy organizations or child welfare service providers to a list of professionals already responsible for calling authorities about any incidents.
Senator Todd Schlekeway, the main sponsor, says the measure is influenced by the Penn State sex abuse scandal. He says the aim is to have more "eyeballs" watching out for abuse.
Those who intentionally don't report an incident face a Class 1 misdemeanor charge.
The Senate floor passed it unanimously earlier this month. Now the bill goes to the House floor.
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