VIDEO: KING 5: Senate passes bill requiring clergy to report abuse, legislation heads to House

The bill to add clergy to the state’s list of mandatory reporters of child abuse passed out of the Washington state Senate Friday by a vote of 28-20.

Members of the clergy would be required, by state law, to report potential cases of child abuse or neglect to authorities.

Currently, those in professions like teaching, health and childcare, and law enforcement are considered “mandatory” reporters. They face misdemeanor charges if they don’t report potential cases of child abuse or neglect.

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives.