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Bill

S 5887

Establishes the class E felony of dissemination of false missing child information

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Lanza

Bill S 5887 makes spreading false information about missing children a class E felony, aiming to protect public safety and support effective search efforts.

REFERRED TO CODES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 5887

Summary of Bill S 5887

Bill Overview

Bill Number: S 5887
Title: Establishes the class E felony of dissemination of false missing child information
Status: Referred to Codes
Introduced: March 03, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill S 5887 is to address the serious issue of disseminating false information regarding missing children. By establishing a class E felony for this offense, the bill aims to deter individuals from spreading misinformation that could hinder search efforts and cause unnecessary panic among the public.

Key Provisions

  • Creation of a Class E Felony: The bill specifically defines the act of disseminating false information about a missing child as a class E felony. This classification indicates that the offense is considered serious and carries significant legal consequences.
  • Definition of Offense: The bill outlines what constitutes "dissemination of false missing child information," ensuring clarity in enforcement and prosecution.
  • Penalties: While specific penalties are not detailed in the provided information, class E felonies typically involve potential imprisonment and fines, which would apply to offenders under this bill.

Impact

  • Affected Parties: The bill primarily affects individuals who may engage in spreading false information about missing children. It also impacts law enforcement agencies, child protection organizations, and the general public, who may be affected by misinformation during critical search efforts.
  • Public Safety: By criminalizing the dissemination of false information, the bill seeks to enhance public safety and improve the effectiveness of search operations for missing children.

Legislative Process

  • Current Status: As of March 3, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Codes Committee for further consideration. This is an essential step in the legislative process, where the bill will be reviewed, and potential amendments may be proposed before it is brought to the floor for a vote.

Related Legislation

Bill S 5887 is part of a broader legislative context, with several related bills from prior sessions, including:
- S 3491
- S 4156
- S 2937
- S 6226
- S 2630
- S 400
- S 5609
- S 4280

These related bills may address similar issues or provide additional context regarding the legislative approach to missing children and public safety.

Conclusion

Bill S 5887 represents a proactive measure to combat the dissemination of false information regarding missing children. By establishing legal consequences for such actions, the bill aims to protect vulnerable individuals and support law enforcement efforts in locating missing children effectively. The bill is currently under review by the Codes Committee, and its progression will be closely monitored by stakeholders concerned with child safety and public welfare.

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

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