Bill Strengthens Child Abuse Reporting Law

     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.
     Sen. 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.