Bill would make failure to report child abuse a crime

The Maryland Senate tentatively approved a bill setting criminal penalties for teachers, health professionals and others who fail to report child abuse or neglect. The senators rejected objections that the bill would make criminals out of people who failed to recognize when abusewas occurring.

“There are a lot incidents that have been unreported,” said Sen. Brian Frosh, chairman of the Judicial Proceedings Committee. “We have mandatory reporters who are not telling social services [about abuse], and kids are getting killed. Whatever sanctions we have in current law are not being used.”