The state of California has already responded to the Jerry Sandusky scandal at Penn State before the case goes to trial, with state representatives introducing new legislation to reduce the possibility of a similar scandal in California. The legislation requires all athletic organizations to train their employees in how to identify and report child abuse:
On Monday, Assemblyman Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento) is set to announce a bill that would require all athletic organizations to provide their employees with training on how to identify and report child abuse.
Last month, Assemblyman Mike Feuer (D-Los Angeles) and state Sen. Juan Vargas (D-San Diego) announced separate bills that would require employees of universities and colleges, including athletic directors, coaches and graduate assistants, to report suspected cases of child abuse to law enforcement.
This legislation in California is similar to federal legislation that has been introduced by U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-California). The bill, if passed in California, would toughen penalties for not reporting abuse.