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South Dakota Senate to Consider Bill Requiring School Coaches to Report Suspected Child Abuse

3 hours ago in Business, Government, Local

Photo: Mitchell Now/Riley Harrington

MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — A bill that would require school coaches in South Dakota to report suspected child abuse or neglect is scheduled for Senate consideration Monday, March 9.

House Bill 1187, introduced by Rep. Mary Fitzgerald, was recommended for passage by the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 5 and placed on the Senate consent calendar for Monday’s floor session.

The House previously approved the measure 66-0 on Feb. 11. Before final passage, lawmakers amended the bill so it would apply to a “coach of a school activity.”

South Dakota law already requires a range of professionals to report suspected child abuse or neglect, including medical personnel and various school officials. HB 1187 would add school-activity coaches to that list.

If the bill clears the Senate without changes, it would move to Gov. Larry Rhoden for consideration.

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