House Bill 1211, establishing a duty for clergy to report suspected child abuse and neglect when they have reasonable cause, was reported out of the Early Learning Human Services Committee with a due-pass recommendation after substantive floor discussion and a recorded roll-call vote.

Committee counsel Luke Wickham summarized the bill for members; Vice Chair Cortez moved that it be reported out with a due-pass recommendation. Representative Taylor urged support for the bill, calling it “critical” to protecting children and saying that adults who have knowledge of abuse must report it. Representative Dent expressed strong reservations, saying she was concerned the bill could have unintended consequences, questioning whether the bill would effectively address abuse or simply “walk into a place we don't need to be.” Representative Ortiz Self argued the bill balances religious freedom and child safety, stating, “religious freedom doesn't mean you get to turn a blind eye,” and urged a yes vote. Representative Penner said he had reservations but concluded the greater good justified supporting the bill.

The recorded roll call resulted in 8 ayes, 2 nays (recorded as “do not pass”), and 1 nay recorded as “nay without recommendation.” The clerk announced the tally as “8 aye, 2 nay do not pass, 1 nay without recommendation.” By that vote the committee reported House Bill 1211 out with a due-pass recommendation.

The transcript records the mix of opinions in committee: supporters framed the measure as necessary to protect children; dissenting members warned of unintended effects, concern about compelled speech, and whether the law would achieve the intended protection. The record does not show any amendments adopted in committee.

Next steps indicated by the committee are to advance the bill as reported; the transcript does not include committee fiscal analysis or sponsor amendments beyond the staff summary.