ALBANY — Governor Spitzer has signed a new law to expand circumstances where social service workers must report suspected abuse to the state’s child abuse hotline, immediately triggering an official investigation.

The measure, called “Xctasy’s Law” for a 4-year-old girl who was found with broken bones and burns last year in Schenectady, will require case workers to report suspected abuse they hear about from a third party, in addition to suspected cases they observe firsthand or learn about from contact with a child’s parents or guardian.

“It is unconscionable that our system could allow any instance of child abuse to go unreported,” Mr. Spitzer said. “With this reform today, we will help ensure that every case of suspected child abuse and neglect is fully investigated and dealt with appropriately.”

Another patron at the motel where Xctasy Garcia was staying with her mother and siblings reported hearing screams and loud noises and it sounded like a man might be hurting a child. The motel manager called Schenectady County Department of Social Services, but there was no follow-up investigation until the girl turned up two weeks later at a nearby church and parishioners took her to a hospital.

The law will take effect on October 14.