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HB 1412

Reporting of child abuse or neglect.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Becky Cash and 7 co-sponsors

HB 1412 clarifies or expands Indiana's mandatory child abuse and neglect reporting requirements for designated professionals, becoming effective law May 2025.

Signed by the Governor
#agencies;departmentofchildservices(dcs) #agencies;departmentofeducation(doe)andsecretaryofeducation #childrenandminors;crimesagainstchildren #criminallawandprocedure;abuseanddomesticviolence(excludinganimals) #healthcarefacilities;generally #healthcarefacilities;hospitals #lawenforcement;generally #schools;healthandsafetyissues #schools;officersandemployees(otherthanteachers)
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Bill Summary · HB 1412

Legislative bill overview

HB 1412 modifies Indiana's child abuse and neglect reporting requirements, establishing new obligations or clarifications for who must report suspected child maltreatment and under what circumstances. The bill became law on May 1, 2025, after passing through the legislature with support from both chambers and receiving gubernatorial approval.

Why is this important

Child abuse and neglect reporting laws are foundational child protection mechanisms that determine how quickly authorities can intervene in dangerous situations. Changes to reporting requirements directly affect which professionals are mandated to report, what triggers reporting obligations, and potential penalties for non-compliance—ultimately influencing child safety outcomes and the burden placed on various institutions.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of mandatory reporters: Expansion or contraction of which professionals (teachers, doctors, social workers, clergy, etc.) must report suspected abuse could affect implementation costs and institutional liability
  • Reporting thresholds: Whether the bill raises or lowers the standard of suspicion required to trigger mandatory reporting obligations may affect false report rates versus missed abuse cases
  • Privacy and confidentiality concerns: Balancing mandatory reporting duties against privacy protections, particularly for sensitive professions like clergy, attorneys, or counselors

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

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