McCann To Introduce Bill Expanding Penalties for Child Neglect

Bill adds new penalties when children are harmed as a result of neglect

LANSING - State Representative Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo) will introduce legislation that would set new penalties for people who neglect a child in their care if that child suffers harm as a result from being neglected. The bill, drafted in light of a tragedy in Kalamazoo in which three children, left alone, died in an apartment fire, would expand on existing child neglect laws that currently only protect children who are harmed after being left unattended in a vehicle.

“Whether a child is left alone in a car, apartment or any other location, they aren’t prepared to help themselves if a disaster strikes,” McCann said. “What is important is not where the tragedy happened, but that an adult responsible for their safety has let them down. This law would protect children no matter where they are.”

Under existing Michigan law, when a responsible adult is convicted of leaving a child, 6-years-old or younger, in a vehicle for a period of time that results in injury or death, the adult can be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison and be fined up to $10,000. After the tragedy in Kalamazoo, McCann learned that law doesn’t protect children left alone at home.

“Parents and guardians are trusted to make sure the children in their care are always safe from harm,” McCann said. “No one disputes that some terrible accidents happen, but leaving a child alone isn’t an accident. As a parent myself, I believe we have to do all we can to protect children. I look forward to working with legislators across the aisle to bring this protection to all kids in our state.”