Louisiana House Bill HB139

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12

Caption

Creates the crimes of failure to report a missing or deceased child (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

Impact

The proposed law seeks to amend existing statutes to create explicit reporting requirements and penalties for non-compliance. Caretakers failing to adhere to these regulations face fines and potential imprisonment, which heightens accountability for those responsible for children's care. The bill defines 'appropriate authorities' to include local law enforcement and emergency personnel, thereby integrating the reporting process with local services that can respond effectively in urgent situations involving missing or deceased children.

Summary

House Bill 139 establishes legal obligations for caretakers regarding the reporting of missing and deceased children. The bill categorizes the failure to report a missing child as a crime, with stipulated time frames that depend on the age of the child. For instance, caretaker reporting is required within 24 hours for children under the age of seven, within 36 hours for those between ages seven and thirteen, and within 72 hours for those aged thirteen to seventeen. The legislation aims to ensure timely intervention by authorities in cases of missing children, potentially increasing the chances for safer outcomes.

Sentiment

The response to HB 139 appears to be largely supportive given its provision for child protection and welfare. Advocates argue that timely reporting can save lives and aid investigators in addressing potential threats to children. However, some concerns may arise about the feasibility of enforcing these regulations and the implications for caretakers facing penalties. The sentiment suggests a generally positive inclination towards strengthening child protection laws, while also acknowledging the need for careful consideration of the implications for families.

Contention

Controversies around HB 139 may focus on the balance between ensuring child safety and the potential for over-penalization of caretakers in challenging situations. Critics may raise concerns regarding the subjective nature involved in determining whether a caretaker was negligent or unable to report due to extenuating circumstances. Moreover, the time frames imposed for reporting could be viewed as too stringent, potentially leading to misunderstandings or unintentional violations of the law, raising questions about the equity and fairness of the proposed penalties.