Filing false child abuse report could become a crime

Senate passes bill which would make filing false child abuse claim a crime

JACKSON, Mississippi — Making a false report of child abuse could become a crime in Mississippi.

The state Senate on Thursday passed a bill that would set a penalty of up to $5,000 and a year in jail for anyone convicted of intentionally and maliciously reporting to authorities that a child had been abused or neglected.

Republican Sen. Joey Fillingane of Sumrall says that during custody disputes, people sometimes falsely accuse a former spouse or former boyfriend or girlfriend of child abuse.

Gulflive
2/5/15