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A 6178

Enacts Caylee's law; establishes the crime of failure to report a child's disappearance or death

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Karl Brabenec

Caylee's Law mandates parents to report a child's disappearance or death promptly, imposing penalties for non-compliance to enhance child safety and law enforcement response.

REFERRED TO CODES
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Bill Summary · A 6178

Summary of Bill A 6178: Caylee's Law

Bill Number: A 6178
Title: Enacts Caylee's Law; establishes the crime of failure to report a child's disappearance or death
Status: Referred to Codes
Introduced: February 26, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 6178, known as Caylee's Law, aims to address the critical issue of child safety by establishing legal obligations for individuals to report the disappearance or death of a child. The bill is named in memory of Caylee Anthony, a young girl whose tragic case highlighted the need for stronger legal measures to protect children and ensure timely reporting of their status.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following key provisions:

  • Criminal Offense: It would create a new crime specifically for failing to report a child's disappearance or death within a specified timeframe.
  • Reporting Requirements: Individuals, particularly parents and guardians, would be legally required to report any knowledge of a child's disappearance or death to law enforcement authorities promptly.
  • Penalties: The bill outlines potential penalties for non-compliance, which may include fines and/or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense and the circumstances surrounding the case.

Affected Parties

The primary individuals affected by this legislation would include:

  • Parents and Guardians: They would have a legal obligation to report a child's disappearance or death, ensuring that law enforcement can act quickly in such situations.
  • Law Enforcement Agencies: The bill would provide law enforcement with clearer guidelines and authority to investigate cases of missing or deceased children.
  • Child Welfare Advocates: Organizations and advocates focused on child safety and welfare would likely support the bill, as it aligns with their mission to protect children.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Process: As of February 26, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Codes Committee for further consideration. This is an important step in the legislative process, where the bill will be reviewed, and potential amendments may be proposed.
  • Related Legislation: Bill A 6178 is part of a broader discussion on child safety, with several related bills from prior sessions (A 5574, A 5561, A 5661, A 5452, A 5713, A 3366, A 8596) that may address similar issues or provide context for the current proposal.

Conclusion

Bill A 6178 seeks to enhance child safety by mandating the reporting of a child's disappearance or death. By establishing legal consequences for failure to report, the bill aims to ensure that law enforcement can respond swiftly to protect vulnerable children. As it moves through the legislative process, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how it evolves and what impact it may have on child welfare practices.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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