STATEHOUSE (March 4, 2016) – The House of Representatives voted unanimously in support of legislation sponsored by State Rep. Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne), which aims to protect children.
Morris said this bill was inspired by Kirk Coleman, a 19-month-old child who passed away while under the care of a babysitter, who had pled guilty to child neglect eight years prior to Kirk’s passing.
Senate Bill (SB) 357, more commonly known as “Kirk’s Law,” would establish a child abuse registry containing information on individuals previously convicted of child abuse or neglect. Similar to sex-offender registries, this registry would display a list of all individuals who have been found guilty of child abuse or neglect.
“Establishing a registry that contains information on those who have been convicted of crimes against a child will help parents make a more informed decision about who they choose to take care of their children,” Morris said. “The goal of this bill is to prevent future tragedies, like Kirk’s, by providing parents with another avenue to ensure that the people caring for their children are qualified and trustworthy.”
For more information on SB 357 visit www.iga.in.gov.
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Rep. Morris (R-Fort Wayne) represents portions of Allen County
Note to the editor: A photo is attached, with the caption below
Bill creating child abuse registry (from left to right): Regina Gunter, Anissa Garza and Angela Garza join State Rep. Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne) at the Statehouse to witness “Kirk’s Law” go through the final stages of the legislative process.
