Associated Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- A Florida Senate panel has cleared increased penalties to a law closely related to "Caylee's Law."
The Criminal Justice committee passed 6-0 a bill (SB 400) that increases the penalty for the second and all subsequent offenses of giving false information to law enforcement about the alleged commission of a crime.
The bill raises the penalty to a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years. First offenses remain first-degree misdemeanors. It also adds requirements of corroboration to convict.
"Caylee's Law" addresses false information in a missing person investigation with intent to mislead or impede.
The changes were inspired by 2-year-old Caylee Anthony's death. Caylee's mother -- Casey Anthony -- was acquitted of murdering her in Orlando. Caylee wasn't reported missing until 31 days after she vanished in 2008.
