GOP Lawmakers Propose Increasing Child Neglect Penalties

GOP state lawmakers have introduced a bill that would increase penalties for child neglect in Wisconsin.

Under the plan, “neglect” is defined as failing to provide a child with food, clothing, medical care, shelter and supervision. Parents or guardians who don’t send their kids to school or who deal drugs from their homes could also be be guilty of the crime.

Anyone who is negligent in taking care of a child, for reasons other than poverty, could face penalties of up to 60 years in prison. There are also penalties for contributing to negligence.

.@WisDOJ and GOP lawmakers introducing new child neglect legislation this afternoon. Would set new criminal negligence standard. pic.twitter.com/kd92y7WL9y

— Laurel White (@lkwhite) May 17, 2017

“This is a much needed reform to our statutes to reflect the community standards that we all share,” said Rep. Cody Horlacher, R-Mukwonago, one of the bill’s sponsors.

The bill also creates a crime of repeated acts of neglect of the same child.

Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel said that change would help prosecutors do their jobs.

“It is long overdue to give prosecutors the ability to charge long-term neglect as an ongoing course of conduct, so that we can achieve justice for child victims and prevent offenders from committing future crimes against that child,” he said.

A similar bill was introduced last session, but didn‘t pass. Sponsors say this version raises the burden of proof for neglect, so some parents aren’t unintentionally guilty of crimes.