NYS Senator Eric Adams Introduces Legislation Which Will Compel The Reporting Of The Death Or Disappearance Of A Minor To Law Enforcement Within 24 Hours

In light of the trial of Casey Anthony, who failed to report the disappearance of her daughter Caylee Anthony for 31 days, Senator Eric Adams, who served in the New York Police Department for 22 years before retiring at the rank of Captain, has introduced legislation (Senate bill 5858) that would compel the reporting of the death or disappearance of a minor to law enforcement within 24 hours of such event. 

Under the provisions of the bill, a parent, guardian or individual charged with the care or custody of a minor must alert law enforcement about the disappearance or death of the minor within 24 hours.  Failure to notify proper law enforcement would result in the responsible party being charged with a D felony, which carries a potential punishment of up to 7 years in prison. 

Senator Adams’ statement:  “Under this new law, the irresponsibility of a parent failing to notify law enforcement about the disappearance of a minor would constitute a crime in itself.  I understand America’s  anger and outrage that a parent can be derelict in their custodial responsibility and fail to notify the authorities of their child’s death or disappearance without consequence.  I am seeking to codify that responsibility to ensure that parents and custodians have an affirmative responsibility to notify law enforcement so that these cases can be solved or resolved in an expedient fashion.”