The public outcry over Casey Anthony’s not-guilty verdict has unleashed a wave of “Caylee’s Law” proposals in more than 20 states.
Politicians are clamoring to file bills that would stiffen penalties against parents or caretakers who do not report their children missing promptly. Anthony did not report her child missing for 31 days.
States considering Caylee’s Law bills include Texas, Massachusetts, Arkansas, Missouri, California, Colorado, Georgia, and several others, according to news reports. But only three states – Florida, New Jersey and Tennessee – actually have bills filed, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
While few question whether the bills are needed and suggest they might have unintended consequences, such as punishing grief-stricken parents for not reporting deaths quickly enough, there is at least one supporter of Florida “Caylee’s Law” — George Anthony, the grandfather of Caylee, according to the Washington Post.
“This is a great legacy for my granddaughter. Other children still need assistance. If it reflects on my daughter, well, so be it,” George Anthony wrote in an email to the Post, saying he plans to lobby for the bill in Florida.
The high-profile murder trial of Casey Anthony this summer captured the attention of the nation, with television pundits dissecting each day of the trial. Anthony was accused of murdering her two-year-old daughter Caylee, whose body was found near her Orlando home in December 2008.
One of the pieces of evidence used against Anthony was her failure to report her daughter missing for 31 days, with pictures having surfaced of her allegedly partying with friends during that time.
The jury’s decision on July 5 to acquit Anthony on murder charges has provoked outrage and anger across the nation. By the next day, an online petition had gathered hundreds of signatures pushing for a “Caylee’s Law.”
It only took 24 hours for one Florida lawmaker to suggest a “Caylee’s Law” bill. By the end of last week, not only had other Florida lawmakers suggested similar measures, but lawmakers across the nation were proposing “Caylee’s Law” bills that impose strict penalties on parents or caretakers for not reporting children missing.
Florida’s proposed law (HB 37) would also make it a felony to not report a child’s death within two hours.
Another Florida legislator is taking a different tack. Rep. Scott Randolph, D-Orlando, is proposing legislation that would prohibit jurors from receiving money in exchange for providing information or interviews related to a trial after it’s over.
At least one juror in the Casey Anthony trial is reportedly soliciting money for interviews about the experience.
By Lilly Rockwell
News Service of Florida
