Carpino's Missing Child Bill Clears Hurdle

State Rep. Christie Carpino applauded the legislature’s Judiciary Committee’s approval of her bill that makes it a criminal penalty for a parent or legal guardian to fail to report a missing child under the age of 12 within 24 hours, in cases where the parent knew or should have known that the child was possibly in danger.

“I have worked across the aisle on this bi-partisan piece of legislation in hoping to build support for this common sense proposal which protects the most vulnerable of our society, our children," Carpino said. "We want to avoid any future tragedies similar to the tragedy in Florida when little Caylee Anthony's mother waited over 30 days before reporting her missing.”

Carpino (R, Cromwell) worked with The Connecticut Police Chiefs Association, who testified in favor of the proposal and also has the support of multiple police chiefs in her district. Over 50 people in her district alone reached out to Carpino over the last year and asked her to propose this important legislation.

“I am very proud to put forward this bill on behalf of the children in both my district and across the state,” said Carpino, who represents the 32nd District, serving Portland, Cromwell and part of Middletown. 

“Some people have questioned our need for a law such as this one. It’s unfortunate that we need to legislate reporting your young child missing but there are children out there who need protecting," Carpino said. "It's our job to protect our most vulnerable citizens, our children.”

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for a full debate and vote.