South Dakota representatives have rejected a measure that would have added clergy to the list of mandatory reporters of child abuse.
The chamber voted 34-33 Monday against the bill.
Democratic Rep. Erin Healy, the bill’s sponsor, says the bill would help offer protection for vulnerable children and free clergy to do the right thing.
The bill included an exemption for clergy who suspect abuse based on a communication made to them under religious privilege rules.
The current list includes doctors, teachers and social workers.
Republican Rep. Randy Gross, an opponent, says there are already state and federal laws that make it a crime not to report criminal activity.
