Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass with amendment a bill that increases penalty requirements for failing to report child abuse or neglect.

Highlights:

• Specifies that an individual who fails to report an instance of child abuse or neglect for a second time will be found guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a prison term not to exceed 1 year and or a fine of up to $5,000 (Sec. 13).

• Specifies that an individual that fails to report an instance of child abuse or neglect for a third time will be found guilty of a felony punishable by a prison term not to exceed 4 years and or a fine of no more than $15,000 (Sec. 13).

• Requires a prosecuting attorney seeking an enhanced sentence based on a individual having 1 or more prior convictions to document the following in their complaint and information statement, including, but not limited to (Sec. 13):

• A list of the individual's previous convictions;

• A copy of the judgement of conviction;

• A transcript of a prior trial, plea-taking, or sentence; and

• The individual’s statement.

• Specifies that if the sentence for a conviction under this act is already enhanced by 1 or more previous convictions, those prior convictions shall no longer be used to further enhance a sentence under this act (Sec. 13).

Full Bill Text