Modifies provisions relating to child abuse and neglect

SB 1707 - This act requires clergy and religious workers to be mandated reporters for suspected child abuse or neglect. This act repeals an exemption from reporting suspected child abuse or neglect for privileged communications made to a minister or a clergyperson.

Currently, a civil action for recovery of damages suffered as a result of childhood sexual abuse shall be brought within ten years after the victim reaches the age of twenty-one or within three years of the victim discovering that the injury or illness was caused by childhood sexual abuse, whichever is later. This act provides that a civil action for recovery of damages suffered as a result of childhood sexual abuse or tortious conduct that caused the victim to be a victim of childhood sexual abuse may be commenced at any time.

This provision is identical to SB 1140 (2026), substantially similar to SB 589 (2025), HB 883 (2025), HB 1132 (2025), a provision in SB 1063 (2024), SB 1092 (2024), and SB 416 (2023), and similar to provisions in HB 114 (2025), SB 747 (2025), HCS/HB 367 (2023), and HB 1139 (2023). SARAH HASKINS