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Bill

H 880

An act relating to repealing the exception for clergy to report child abuse and neglect

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Boutin and 10 co-sponsors

Eliminates Vermont's clergy exception to mandatory child abuse reporting, requiring religious professionals to report suspected child abuse like all other mandatory reporters.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary
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Bill Summary · H 880

Legislative bill overview

H 880 would eliminate Vermont's clergy exception to mandatory child abuse and neglect reporting laws. Currently, Vermont allows certain religious professionals to withhold reports of child abuse in some circumstances; this bill would remove that exemption and require all individuals, including clergy members, to report suspected child abuse and neglect to authorities.

Why is this important

This change would expand mandatory reporting requirements to cover a significant gap in child protection oversight. Clergy members often have access to vulnerable children and families in confidential settings, and removing the exemption could lead to earlier intervention in abuse cases. However, the change also creates tension between child protection mandates and religious confidentiality traditions that some faith communities consider fundamental to their practice.

Potential points of contention

  • Religious confidentiality vs. mandated reporting: Faith communities argue that pastoral confidentiality is essential to their religious practice and that parishioners may be less likely to seek help if they cannot confide in clergy without mandatory reporting obligations
  • Definition and scope of clergy: The bill's language regarding which religious professionals are covered and under what circumstances reporting applies will likely be debated
  • Implementation and enforcement: Questions about how violations would be prosecuted and whether penalties would apply equally to clergy as other mandatory reporters

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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