MANDATORY REPORTING OF PREGNANCIES AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS IN MINORS AS ABUSE. CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATUTORY AMENDMENT.

Requires that pregnancy of, diagnosis of sexually transmitted infection in, or miscarriage or abortion by, minor under 16 be defined and reported as evidence of criminal child abuse. Requires mandated reporters to state whether they believe sexual abuse occurred and to preserve physical evidence. Prevents courts from changing reporting requirements. Prohibits state payment for medical services unless reporting requirements are met. Criminalizes attempts to prevent reporting. Requires warning sign be posted in specified medical offices. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Health and Social Services Costs. Annual costs in the range of $4 million to $5 million for the state and about $2 million for counties, and potential one-time Medi-Cal automation costs unlikely to exceed a few million dollars. Costs to Local Law Enforcement and Courts. Annual costs in the range of $5 million to $6 million per year. Potential Offsetting Savings. Unknown, potential savings to the state in health care and public assistance costs from decreases in sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancy. (Initiative 07-0013.) (Full Text