MADISON, Wis. (WRN) — The governor on Friday, vetoed a bill requiring child welfare agencies to report suspected child abuse.
The bill’s author, Republican State Senator Romaine Quinn, said there’s mandatory reporting of suspected sexual abuse or trafficking, but not physical abuse, neglect or exposure to illegal drugs.
The bill, “Zoey’s Law,” was named for 4-year-old Zoey Chafer, who died in 2021 from alcohol poisoning. Her mother and caregiver were both found guilty of repeated child abuse and neglect leading to her death.
Evers said requiring all suspected reports be investigated would triple the workload for agencies and police, making it harder for authorities to stop genuine abuse.
Quinn said the bill was about accountability for child safety, adding he plans to reintroduce the bill next year.