South Dakota § 26-8A-3 - Persons required to report child abuse or neglected child--Intentional failure--Penalty.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 26-8A-3 — Persons required to report child abuse or neglected child--Intentional failure--Penalty., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 26-8A-3. Persons required to report child abuse or neglected child--Intentional failure--Penalty.
Any physician, dentist, doctor of osteopathy, chiropractor, optometrist, emergency medical technician, paramedic, mental health professional or counselor, podiatrist, psychologist, religious healing practitioner, social worker, hospital intern or resident, parole or court services officer, law enforcement officer, coach of a school activity, teacher, school counselor, school official, nurse, licensed or registered child welfare provider, employee or volunteer of a domestic abuse shelter, employee or volunteer of a child advocacy organization or child welfare service provider, chemical dependency counselor, coroner, dental hygienist, or any safety-sensitive position as defined in § 3-6C-1, who has reasonable cause to suspect that a child under the age of eighteen has been abused or neglected, as defined in § 26-8A-2, shall report that information in accordance with §§ 26-8A-6, 26-8A-7, and 26-8A-8. Any person who intentionally fails to make the required report is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any person who knows or has reason to suspect that a child has been abused or neglected as defined in § 26-8A-2 may report that information as provided in § 26-8A-8.
Source: SL 1964, ch 90, §§ 1, 5; SDCL § 26-10-13; SL 1973, ch 172, § 1; SL 1975, ch 179, § 2; SL 1976, ch 167; SL 1982, ch 201; SL 1984, ch 192, § 2; SL 1985, ch 215, § 1; SL 1986, ch 223; SL 1991, ch 217, § 112B; SDCL Supp, § 26-10-10; SL 1993, ch 203; SL 2000, ch 122, § 1; SL 2012, ch 146, § 1; SL 2016, ch 143, § 1; SL 2021, ch 118, § 1; SL 2026, ch 122, § 1.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 26-8A-3
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 26-8A-3 cover?
Section 26-8A-3 ("Persons required to report child abuse or neglected child--Intentional failure--Penalty.") is part of the South Dakota Codified Laws, the codified statutory law of South Dakota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Dakota § 26-8A-3?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 26-8A-3" (South Dakota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Dakota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Dakota attorney.
How does South Dakota § 26-8A-3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Dakota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Dakota.