HB 3800

Abstract

Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Provides that, in addition to other elements of the offense, a person commits the offense of child abandonment when he or she, as a parent, guardian, or other person having physical custody or control of a child under 13 years of age, willfully or by culpable negligence fails to make contact with or otherwise verify the whereabouts and safety of that child for a period of 24 hours and to immediately report the child as missing to a law enforcement agency after this 24-hour period expires without contact. Creates the offense of failure to report the death of a child. Provides that a person commits the offense when he or she, as a parent, guardian, or other person having physical custody or control of a child under 18 years of age reasonably believes that the child has died and fails within one hour of forming that reasonable belief, or as soon thereafter as reasonably practicable if compliance within one hour is impracticable, to: (1) notify a law enforcement agency of the child's apparent death and the location of the child; or (2) seek medical attention on the child's behalf. Provides that failure to report the death of a child is a Class 4 felony.