2019 US Code
Title 34 - Crime Control and Law Enforcement
Subtitle II - Protection of Children and Other Persons
Chapter 203 - Victims of Child Abuse
Subchapter IV - Reporting Requirements
Sec. 20342 - Federal immunity
| 34 U.S.C. § 20342 (2019) |
| §20342. Federal immunity |
|
(1) In general
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any individual making a good faith report to appropriate authorities of a suspected or known instance of child abuse or neglect, or who otherwise, in good faith, provides information or assistance, including medical evaluations or consultations, in connection with a report, investigation, or legal intervention pursuant to a good faith report of child abuse or neglect shall not be subject to civil liability or criminal prosecution, under any Federal law, rising from making such report or providing such information or assistance. (2) Presumption of good faithIn a Federal civil action or criminal prosecution brought against a person based on the person's reporting a suspected or known instance of child abuse or neglect, or providing information or assistance with respect to such a report, as described in paragraph (1), there shall be a presumption that the person acted in good faith. (3) CostsIf the defendant prevails in a Federal civil action described in paragraph (2), the court may award costs and reasonable attorney's fees incurred by the defendant. |
|
(Pub. L. 115–424, §3(b), Jan. 7, 2019, 132 Stat. 5470.) |
|
CODIFICATION
Section was enacted as part of the Victims of Child Abuse Act Reauthorization Act of 2018, and not as part of the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990 which comprises this chapter. |
| United States Code, 2018 Edition, Supplement 1, Title 34 - CRIME CONTROL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT |
| Bills and Statutes |
| United States Code |
| Y 1.2/5: |
| Title 34 - CRIME CONTROL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT Subtitle II - Protection of Children and Other Persons CHAPTER 203 - VICTIMS OF CHILD ABUSE SUBCHAPTER IV - REPORTING REQUIREMENTS Sec. 20342 - Federal immunity |
| section 20342 |
| 2019 |
| January 24, 2020 |
| No |
| standard |
| 132 Stat. 5470 |
| Public Law 115-424 |
