SB 848

Senate Bill (SB) 848, signed into law on October 7, 2025, was adopted to enhance student safety. The new law expands the definition of mandated reporters and requires additional training.  The new law also requires school districts to implement a policy on appropriate professional boundaries. 

The California Penal Code requires that school personnel report suspected child abuse to the proper authorities. School personnel shall report the known or suspected child abuse to a child protective agency immediately or as soon as practically possible by telephone and shall prepare and send a written report thereof within 36 hours of receiving the information concerning the incident. 

California Penal Code 11172, subdivision (e) gives mandated reporters who report suspected cases of child abuse absolute immunity, both civilly and criminally, for making such reports. However, any person who fails to report an instance of child abuse as required by the Child Abuse Reporting Act is guilty of a misdemeanor with a punishment not to exceed six months or $1,000 or both. 

Mandated reporters can access the Suspected Child Abuse Report (SCAR) form on the State of California Department of Justice Office of Attorney General (OAG) website.  The Fresno County Child Protection Hotline may be reached at (559) 600-8320. 

School personnel will be required to complete annual training.  For more information, please visit the California Department of Education’s Child Abuse Identification and Reporting Guidelines.

Employees are expected to remain vigilant of their position of authority and not abuse it when relating with students. Employees shall not intrude on a student's physical or emotional boundaries unless necessary in an emergency or to serve a legitimate purpose related to instruction, counseling, student health, or student or staff safety.   Employees are expected to comply with the District's Administrative Regulation No. 4119.24 - Maintaining Appropriate Adult-Student Interaction, which may be downloaded.