Bill > A06178

This bill, known as "Caylee's law," establishes a new criminal offense of failing to report a child's death or disappearance, targeting parents, guardians, or legal caretakers of children under 18 years old. Specifically, the law requires individuals to notify law enforcement within 24 hours of a child's death (regardless of whether the death was accidental or intentional) or disappearance. The bill classifies this failure to report as a class D felony, which is a serious criminal charge that can result in significant legal consequences. An important exception is included: the law does not apply when a child dies while under the medical care of a licensed physician or when a death certificate has been issued. This legislation appears to be named after a specific case and aims to ensure that parents or guardians promptly alert authorities when a child is missing or has died, potentially helping to expedite investigations and protect children's welfare.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6178