07062011_FL_Senate_to_start_Caylee's

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Florida Senate Ready to Start Work on a 'Caylee's law' this fall

The Palm Beach Post - July 7, 2011

TALLAHASSEE — With a "Caylee's law" already proposed by Boca Raton Rep. Bill Hager and other Republican House members, state senators also are positioning themselves to explore steps they can take to toughen criminal sanctions aimed at protecting children.

Senate Criminal Justice Committee Chairman Greg Evers, R-Baker, wrote Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Melbourne, seeking the go-ahead for his panel to work on legislation stemming from the Casey Anthony verdict and sentencing.

Evers said he's been getting email from Floridians saying current laws don't adequately protect children. The legislation proposed by Hager, as well as Reps. Scott Plakon, R-Longwood, and Jose Felix Diaz, R-Miami, is designed to make it a felony for a parent or guardian not to report a missing child.

An internet petition drive urging Congress to enact such a federal law has drawn more than 250,000 signatures in its first 36 hours since being launched.

"While I respect the judicial process and the burden of proof that exists in such cases, I join my fellow Floridians in voicing concern about any inconsistencies or inadequacies in the law that could potentially lead to future issues such as this," Evers wrote Haridopolos.

Evers wants to dedicate the committee's first fall meeting, during the week of Sept. 19, to "discuss any potential changes that can and should be made to our criminal and civil laws that protect our most vulnerable citizens."