A bill now on its way to Gov. Jay Nixon’s desk would strengthen Missouri’s laws dealing with the reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect.

Sponsored by Rep. Marsha Haefner, R-Oakville, House Bill 505 would ensure fewer abuse and neglect cases fall through the cracks by making current mandated reporters more accountable.

In a news release, Haefner said the bill is meant to prevent tragedies like the one that took place at Penn State where a case of sexual abuse that was witnessed by a university employee went unreported. HB 505 would require that current mandated reporters such as teachers make the call to the state child abuse hotline when they witness probable child abuse or neglect.

The bill would eliminate an option that exists under current law that allows witnesses to report suspected cases to their superior. Haefner said the change is an important one to make to ensure all suspected cases of abuse and neglect are reported and investigated.

“We have seen too many cases where suspected abuse or report has been reported to a supervisor but not forwarded on to the Missouri Children’s Division for investigation,” Haefner stated in the release. “We want to make absolutely certain that all cases are reported and that the best interests of children are always put first. My bill gives us an effective way to protect children and I’m thrilled that this important change is just now a signature away from becoming law.”

Haefner’s bill would prevent an institution from performing its own internal investigation before making a hotline call. In addition, it would prevent employers from impeding or inhibiting a mandatory reporter from making a report, and it would ensure employers do not impose any adverse employment action on employees who make hotline calls.

The bill will become law upon receipt of the governor’s signature.