Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) announced today that he has become a co-sponsor of legislation that would make the failure of reporting the death or disappearance of a child in a timely manner by a parent, legal guardian or caretaker, a felony in New York State. This legislation, being drafted by Assemblywoman Grace Meng in Flushing, NY, was circulated to members of the Assembly following the Casey Anthony verdict.

Currently, New York has no mandatory reporting laws for parents, legal guardians, caretakers or other responsible adults to notify law enforcement of the death or disappearance of their child, accidental or otherwise, within a timely manner of death or disappearance being discovered.

"I have heard from hundreds of constituents since the Casey Anthony verdict was announced and their outrage at the acquittal. Though the courts in Florida have ruled, it became clear that New York and other states can strengthen laws to protect children," said Barclay. "By making the failure to report the death or disappearance a felony, we are closing a legal loophole for those who may be guilty of being involved in either the death or disappearance of our most vulnerable citizens," said Barclay.

There are two bills Barclay has signed onto. One would require the reporting of a death to law enforcement in a timely manner by a parent, legal guardian, caretaker or other responsible adult. Failure to do so could result in a felony. The other bill specifies the disappearance of the child be reported within a timely manner as well. Failure to do so also could result in a felony.