STATE COLLEGE – State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, announced at a State College news conference that he is urging support of measures to strengthen penalties in Pennsylvania associated with the death or disappearance of a child.
“What we’re trying to do is enact a ‘Caylee’s Law’ of sorts in Pennsylvania,” Conklin said. “This is sparked by not just the verdict in the Casey Anthony case but by how Caylee’s disappearance was handled.”
Currently in Pennsylvania it is a first-degree misdemeanor for a parent to conceal the death of a child in the event of a still birth. An initial review shows there do not seem to be any state laws regulating the timely reporting of a child’s death or disappearance.
Conklin says he is supporting Senate Bill 1203, introduced by Sen. Larry Farnese, D-Phila., which would make it a first-degree felony to conceal the death of a child. The violation also would carry a maximum sentence of seven years in prison and $15,000 fine. Neglecting to report a missing child would be considered a first-degree misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of five years in prison and $10,000 fine.
Conklin adds he plans to introduce companion legislation in the House.
“We are naming the law after this two-year-old child who suffered a horrible injustice,” Conklin said. “We have the chance now to protect Pennsylvania children from endangerment, fortify the penalties associated with these crimes and assist law enforcement in doing their job.”