STATEHOUSE (Feb. 3, 2023) – State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville) authored legislation to help better protect students from abuse after several local incidents like one involving a former Zionsville gymnastics coach who was convicted last year of child molestation involving a former athlete.
As a new state representative, Cash said she felt compelled to take action after following multiple child sexual abuse cases that went through the courts in Boone County. She was also concerned after watching the USA Gymnastics trials unfold, where both coaches and other adults failed to make reports of suspected abuse.
Cash recently filed legislation to formally place a duty to report suspected child abuse on youth sports coaches, athletic facility staff, individuals in charge of schools and athletic facilities. A report of child abuse would be made to the Indiana Department of Child Services, local law enforcement, and the appropriate school or facility, and failure to do so would result in a felony.
"Every child should feel safe whether they're at school or at practice, and those adults around them have a responsibility to report suspected abuse," Cash said. "This legislation makes it clear that there is a duty to report these instances and failing to do so would be a felony offense. As a mother, former foster parent and legislator, I want to make sure we're doing everything we can to protect our most vulnerable."
The bill would increase the penalty for failure to report from a Class B misdemeanor to a Level 5 felony, which is punishable by up to 1-6 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Under the bill, if a report against a youth coach is filed, DCS would investigate the school or athletic facility to determine whether they should have known the alleged abuse was happening. DCS would also consider whether there were previous allegations against a coach, whether there are related disciplinary records, and whether the school or athletic facility properly reported any previous allegations.
In Indiana, anyone who has knowledge or a reasonable suspicion of child abuse is required to report it to DCS or local law enforcement. Hoosiers can call the Indiana Department of Child Services' Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-800-5556 and reports of abuse can be made anonymously 24/7.
House Bill 1128 is assigned to the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee for consideration. Watch session and committees live, and view legislation at iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville) represents House District 25,
which includes portions of Boone and Hendricks counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
