The State House sent to the Senate last two measures aimed at further protecting the safety and welfare of children in Pennsylvania, reports State Rep. Jim Cox (R-129)
House Bill 1841 would strengthen the penalties against someone who makes false reports to police during a criminal investigation involving a child. House Bill 1842 would strengthen the penalties for the crime of concealing the death of a child.
Both bills would upgrade the respective offenses to third-degree felonies and increase the maximum penalties to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine. The law would apply to a natural parent, stepparent, adoptive parent, guardian or an individual involved in an intimate relationship with the child’s parent. A person responsible for a child’s welfare, such as a babysitter, teacher or coach, would also be subject to the law.
The measures were introduced in response to the recent Caylee Anthony homicide case in Florida, and together are known as “Caylee’s Law.”