Benton's bill to help prevent false reports of child abuse signed into lawApril 18, 2007 OLYMPIA…A measure to give the state more tools to prevent false reports of child abuse, sponsored by Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, was signed into law today. The measure, Substitute Senate Bill 5839, was approved unanimously by both the House and Senate. The bill’s provisions take effect on July 22, 2007. Calling false reports of child abuse a “serious problem,” Benton said this new law will protect innocent citizens and save Child Protective Services workers valuable time. “False reports of child abuse can be very hurtful to a person and damaging to an individual’s reputation,” Benton said. “This change in law will help solve a serious problem.” Present today with Benton for the bill signing were Dr. Jud Threlkeld and his wife, Rachel, who were victims of a false report and subsequently brought the need for a change in law to the 17th District senator’s attention. Substitute Senate Bill 5839, does three things: It removes the word “maliciously” from the false reporting statute, making it easier to hold people who make false reports accountable. A false report is a misdemeanor. It requires CPS to include a clear statement that false reporting is a crime in any materials relating to the reporting of abuse or neglect. It requires CPS to send a certified letter to individuals determined to have made a false report warning that subsequent false reports will be referred to law enforcement for investigation. Also signed into law today was Benton’s bill, Senate Bill 5715. This measure streamlines licensing provisions for persons selling, soliciting, or negotiating insurance. Benton is the ranking Republican member of the Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee. -30-
Additional contact Penny Drost at (360) 786-7522
|