OLR Bill Analysis

HB 5512

AN ACT CONCERNING THE REPORTING OF A MISSING CHILD.

SUMMARY:

This bill makes it a class A misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of up to $ 2,000, or both, to knowingly fail to report the disappearance of a child under age 12. The duty to report applies to any parent, guardian, or person who has custody or control of, or is supervising, the child and who either does not know the child's location or has not had contact with him or her for a 24-hour period.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2012

BACKGROUND

Leaving Children Unsupervised in a Place of Public Accommodation

Under existing law, it a class A misdemeanor for any parent, guardian, or person with custody, control, or supervision of a child under age 12, to knowingly leave him or her unsupervised in a place of public accommodation or a motor vehicle for a period of time that presents a substantial risk to his or her health or safety. It is a class C felony if the child is left between 8 p. m. and 6 a. m. , and a class D felony if the public accommodation holds a permit for the sale of alcoholic liquor for on-premise consumption.

By law, a “place of public accommodation” is any establishment that caters or offers its services, facilities, or goods to the general public, including any commercial property or building lot where a commercial building will be constructed or offered for sale or rent.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Judiciary Committee

Joint Favorable