Volunteers who work with children in Georgia will be required by law to report suspected child abuse starting next month.

The new mandatory reporting requirement is part of a criminal justice reform law that Gov. Nathan Deal signed last month. The bill changes the definition of "child service organization personnel" to include volunteers.

State Attorney General Sam Olens said anyone who works with children, including volunteers, should already feel obligated to report suspected child abuse, but the new law makes it a legal requirement.

The new law goes into effect July 1.

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