(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) — Members of the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee this week advanced a measure sponsored by Rep. Timothy Hill (R-Blountville), State Rep. John Crawford (R-Kingsport), and State Rep. Bud Hulsey (R-Kingsport) that increases penalties against parents or guardians who fail to expediently report a missing child to law enforcement or the appropriate agency.
Known as Evelyn’s Law in honor of Sullivan County toddler Evelyn Boswell, House Bill 1309 requires a report of a missing child to law enforcement or the appropriate authority within 48 hours of their disappearance. Under the proposal, failure to report while demonstrating reckless disregard for the safety of that child will now be considered a Class A misdemeanor. This is punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,500 or both.
“Our community hurts as we continue to mourn Evelyn Boswell, and this legislation adds a tool for law enforcement across Tennessee as they investigate cases involving missing children,” said Chairman Hill. “I appreciate my colleagues for supporting this legislation, and I know it will close the gap in our current law so we can bring those with disregard for the children of Tennessee to swift justice.”
“House Bill 1309 supports members of our law enforcement and judicial committees as they look to strengthen protections for Tennessee children,” said Chairman Crawford. “I am honored to join Chairman Hill and Chairman Hulsey in supporting this initiative, and I look forward to its passage in the House.”
Evelyn’s Law now heads to the full House Judiciary Committee for additional discussion and debate on June 2, 2020.
“We remain in disbelief that the well-being of this child was jeopardized by those entrusted with her care,” said Chairman Hulsey. “This proposal will better assist our law enforcement communities across this state so similar situations are hopefully avoidable in the future.”
For more information on House Bill 1309, please click here.