DUFFY URGES STATE OFFICIALS TO IMPLEMENT CAYLEE’S LAW IN WISCONSIN

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S.Congressman Sean Duffy (WI-07), former District Attorney for Ashland County, sent a letter today to Scott Fitzgerald and Jeff Fitzgerald, the Wisconsin State Senate Majority Leader and the Speaker of the Wisconsin State Assembly, respectively, urging them to take action on the so-called “Caylee’s Law” or similar legislation that would make it a felony for parents or legal guardians to fail to report a missing child in a timely fashion.

“As a former district attorney and father of six, there are few responsibilities I take more seriously than that of protecting our children,”Congressman Duffy said. “That’s why I’m asking the Wisconsin state legislature to pass ‘Caylee’s Law’ or similar legislation as soon as possible.”

Text of the letter is below:

The Honorable Scott Fitzgerald
Senate Majority Leader
Room 211 South
State Capitol
P.O. Box 7882
Madison, WI 53707-7882

The Honorable Jeff Fitzgerald
Speaker of the Wisconsin State Assembly
Room 211 West
State Capitol
P.O. Box 8952
Madison, WI 53708

Majority Leader Fitzgerald and Speaker Fitzgerald,

Like many Americans, I was very saddened by the news surrounding the disappearance and death of two-year old Caylee Anthony.  As a former District Attorney (DA), I was particularly troubled by the fact that it took over one month for her missing status to be reported to law enforcement.  

In response to Casey Anthony’s acquittal on murder, manslaughter, and child abuse charges in the death of her daughter, Caylee, many states are considering legislation called “Caylee’s Law.”

Caylee’s Law would make certain that the responsible parent or legal guardian report a missing child in timely manner or face felony charges. Caylee Anthony’s body was found six months after the girl went missing.  Caylee was never reported as missing by her mother, but by her maternal grandparents who started asking questions on the two-year-old girl’s whereabouts.

As the DA for Ashland County, I aggressively prosecuted offenders who took advantage of vulnerable children. Federal jurisdiction is limited in scope with regards to missing children.  That is why I urge Wisconsin state lawmakers to take action on this issue. This unfortunate court case may have unfolded differently if there were laws placing the responsibility on parents or legal guardians to report missing children.

I appreciate you and your colleagues considering efforts to protect Wisconsin children through Caylee’s Law or similar legislation.  Protecting the most vulnerable in our society is a responsibility we must take seriously.

Sincerely,

Sean P. Duffy
Member of Congress