Measure would make it a fourth degree crime if a parent or guardian neglects to report the disappearance of their child to law enforcement within 24 hours
A file photo of Caylee Anthony. N.J. lawmakers are pushing a bill that would make it illegal not to report the disappearance of their child to law enforcement within 24 hours.TRENTON — The state Senate has approved a bill inspired by the murder of Caylee Anthony that would make it a felony to fail to report the disappearance or death of a child within 24 hours.
“Would it prevent what happened in Florida? Absolutely not. That’s a human being’s decision to act unreasonable,” said state Sen. Nicholas Sacco (D-Hudson). “What this does is if anyone took that tact they would be facing a longer jail term and much longer fines.”
The "Caylee's Law" legislation brings together two different version of the bill that had been floating around since July, Casey Anthony was found not guilty of murdering her daughter, Caylee. One (S3010) was sponsored by Sacco and Linda Greenstein (D-Middlesex), while the other (S3014) was backed by Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean, Jr. (R-Union) and Diane Allen (R-Burlington).
The committee approved the bill 4-0, sending it to the full Senate.
If enacted, the measure would make it a fourth degree crime if a parent or guardian neglects to report the disappearance of their child age 13 or younger to law enforcement within 24 hours.
“It’s unfortunate we need legislation for something such as this,” said state Sen. Christopher “Kip” Bateman (R-Somerset). “I’m going to support it, but it amazes me we even need to do it.”
Related coverage:
• In wake of Casey Anthony trial, N.J. lawmakers push Caylee's Law
• Casey Anthony sentenced to four years, to be freed late July or early Aug.