The South Dakota House unanimously passed a bill Wednesday adding school coaches to the list of mandatory child abuse reporters, but only after an emotional debate over how far the protection should extend.
The bill’s sponsor, Republican Rep. Mary Fitzgerald from Spearfish.
However, Republican Representative John Hughes of Sioux Falls explained why the committee narrowed the bill to school activities only.
The bill as passed applies to coaches in school activities from elementary through high school.
Mandatory reporters must report suspected abuse or face Class 1 misdemeanor charges.
The final vote was 66 to nothing. The bill moves to the Senate.
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