Seward Co-Sponsors Stricter Child Abuse Bill

Oneonta, NY (WIBX) - State Senator James Seward is co-sponsoring legislation that tightens the loopholes found in New York's child abuse reporting requirements.

The "College Coaches and Professionals Reporting Act" adds coaches, professors, administrators and others to the list of mandatory reporters of child abuse.

According to Seward, the legislation puts college officials on notice.

"Parents put their trust in coaches," Seward said. "And if they break that trust, it's important that guidelines are in place to report, investigate, and then stop the abuse. This bill sends a clar message to college coaches and other school officials. If you witness or learn of child abuse, report it to law enforcement immediately."

The legislation comes in the wake of Penn State University's child abuse scandal.