A bill inspired by the infamous missing girl investigation and murder trial of an Orlando mother continues to advance in the state Legislature.
The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously supported SB 858, which would make it a third-degree felony for any person who provides misleading information to law enforcement during a missing child investigation where the child -- age 16 or younger -- is later found to have been injured.
Currently, providing false information is a misdemeanor.
The bill, introduced by Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, was crafted in response to last summers sensational Casey Anthony murder trial in Orlando.
Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, directed the Select Committee on Protecting Floridas Children that Negron chairs to consider if any changes were needed to state law after five bills were introduced by lawmakers following the public outcry that accompanied the nationally televised Anthony trial.
Anthony was acquitted of first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse and aggravated manslaughter in the death of her 2-year-old daughter Caylee Anthony and convicted of four misdemeanor counts of providing false information to a law enforcement officer.
Caylee Anthony was reported missing July 15, 2008. It was later determined the child, later found dead, had been missing for 30 days and during the investigation law enforcement reported Casey Anthony made a number of false statements regarding herself and the location of her daughter.
Now a tabloid favorite, Casey Anthony is reported to be in seclusion, serving out her probation in Palm City, where Negron has a district office.
The bill now moves to the Budget Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations.
Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.
