Caylee's Law Targets Negligent Parents

Assemblyman Mike Morrell's office announced today that Caylee's Law, a bill introduced by him and Assemblywoman Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles), was passed by the state legislature.

AB 1432 was approved Sunday on the Assembly Floor 67-3 according to a news release. Caylee's Law would make it a felony in California to fail to report the death or disappearance of a child, aged 14 or younger, within 24 hours.

According to the Sacramento Bee, offenders could be jailed for a year and fined $2,000 for failing to report a youngster who is missing and in danger or one who has died as a result of a crime.

The legislation, and others similar to it across the country, was inspired by the death, of 2-year old Caylee Anthony, who was not reported missing for 31 days. Her mother, Casey Anthony, was acquitted of murder charges and her failure to report the toddler missing sparked outrage nationwide, Morrell said.

"I am pleased that my colleagues have joined with us in supporting reasonable policy to ensure that missing children are reported to the authorities," said Morrell (R- Rancho Cucamonga).

"Out of the horrific tragedy that struck Caylee Anthony, we have realized, unfortunately, the negligence of some parents and the need for that negligence to be corrected," Morrell said.

The bill now heads to the Senate and, if passed, could take effect immediately according to the Sacramento Bee.