MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2020 Regular Session
To: Judiciary A
By: Representative Cockerham
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 43-21-355, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CLARIFY IMMUNITY TO ANY AGENCY PROVIDING INFORMATION AS A RESULT OF A GOOD FAITH MANDATORY REPORT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. Section 43-21-355, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
43-21-355. Any attorney, physician, dentist, intern, resident, nurse, psychologist, social worker, family protection worker, family protection specialist, child caregiver, minister, law enforcement officer, school attendance officer, public school district employee, nonpublic school employee, licensed professional counselor or any other person participating in the making of a required report pursuant to Section 43-21-353 or participating in the judicial proceeding resulting therefrom shall be presumed to be acting in good faith. Any person or institution reporting in good faith, or who otherwise provides information or assistance including medical evaluations, diagnosis, or consultations in connection with a report, investigation, legal intervention, or inquiry pursuant to a good faith report of child abuse or neglect shall be immune from any liability, civil or criminal, that might otherwise be incurred or imposed.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2020.