Pa. Lawmaker Wants to Toughen Child Sex Abuse Reporting Law
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- A Pennsylvania lawmaker and former prosecutor from Montgomery County wants to expand the state law that requires people to report incidents of suspected child abuse.
Before he was elected a state representative, Todd Stephens was captain of the sex crimes unit in the Montgomery County DA's office.
He's seen his share of child abuse cases, and he calls the conduct of officials at Penn State "outrageous" (see related story). He says they had a legal and moral obligation to protect kids at all levels.
And now, Stephens (right) plans to introduce a bill that would require people who witness suspected abuse to call law enforcement.
"You know, we all have a duty and obligation to our kids to look after them, and if we suspect someone's being abused, just pick up your phone and call your local police department," he told KYW Newsradio. His measure would also increase the penalties for those who fail to do so.
Current law only requires an in-house chain of command at someone's place of employment. In light of the allegations at Penn State, he believes the legislature can fast-track his plan to toughen the law.
Reported by Brad Segall, KYW Newsradio 1060
