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Changes Made To "Caylee's Law" Bill In House

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) – Several changes have been made to a bill inspired by the death of 2-year old Caylee Anthony as it moves through the Florida House.

Unanimously approved by House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee on Tuesday, HB37 no longer sets reporting deadlines for missing or deceased children. Critics had argued that part of the bill could result in unintended consequences.

Also, the bill also no longer is called "Caylee's Law."

Now the primary feature of the bill is that it would increase the maximum from a year in jail to five years in prison for knowingly making a false statement to police about a missing child.

The changes were made earlier to align it with a bill (SB 858) that's awaiting final Senate committee action.

Caylee's mother, Casey Anthony, was acquitted of murdering her last year in Orlando but convicted of lying to investigators.

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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