House Bill 1454: Expands Definition of Mandatory Reporter and Increases Fines

House Bill 1454 would expand the definition of "mandatory reporter" to include anyone over 18 who witnesses or witnesses signs of child abuse. This means that a parent who chooses to address issues of abuse against their child by seeking private services and not getting social services involved could be penalized for failing to file a report. The bill also increases the fines and penalties associated with failing to report.