2005 House Bill 4738

Revise child abuse definitions

Introduced in the House

May 5, 2005

Introduced by Rep. William Van Regenmorter (R-74)

To revise the definition of third degree child abuse to include knowingly and intentionally doing something LIKELY to cause harm to a child, even if no harm is caused. Under current law, actual harm must be caused to constitute a violation. Among other things, the bill could be used to prosecute a person who leaved a child in a sealed car on a hot day.

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary