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Hinkle supports measure that
would discourage
false reporting of child abuse and neglect
Senate
Bill 5839 passes out of House Early Learning and
Children’s Services Committee
Rep. Bill Hinkle, R-Cle
Elum, helped move legislation forward that would discourage people
from falsely reporting child abuse and neglect.
Senate Bill 5839 passed out of the House Early Learning and
Children’s Services Committee late yesterday.
The measure would require Child Protective Services (CPS) to send a
certified letter to any individual determined to have made a false
report warning that a subsequent false report will be referred to law
enforcement for investigation.
“As state lawmakers, we want public policy that encourages people – no
matter who they are – to report child abuse and neglect. At the same
time, we want to discourage people from making false claims because it
could have devastating effects on the accused,” said Hinkle. “We
cannot allow Child Protective Services to be used as a pawn by people
with nefarious intentions – including ex-spouses, ex-friends and even
neighbors who falsely accuse someone of crimes against children.
Senate Bill 5839 would modify our system in this regard and ensure
more accountability.”
CPS, part of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS),
receives referrals from anyone who suspects a child is a victim of abuse
or neglect.
Senate Bill 5839 would also remove malice as a necessary element of the
gross misdemeanor crime of false reporting of alleged child abuse or
neglect. The measure now heads to the House Rules Committee where it can
be pulled for a House floor vote at any time.
The 105-day 2007 legislative session is scheduled to end April 22.
For more information on Hinkle visit:
http://www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/Hinkle/
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