Failing to report the death of a child or to report a missing child, moving the corpse of a child, hiding a corpse to collect public benefits, and providing penalties

This bill also requires that, if a child is discovered to be missing, the parent, stepparent, guardian, or legal custodian of the child must report the missing child to a law enforcement officer within 24 hours if the child is under 13, within 48 hours if the child is at least 13 but under 16, or within 72 hours if the child is at least 16.

A person who violates this requirement is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor unless the child suffers bodily harm or death while missing. If the child suffers pain or an injury such as a broken bone or one that requires stitches, the person is guilty of a Class H felony. If the child suffers an injury that causes a permanent disfigurement or results in a permanent or protracted loss or impairment of a bodily function, the person is guilty of a Class F felony. If the child dies, the person is guilty of a Class D felony.

This bill also prohibits an unauthorized person from moving the corpse of a child. A person who violates this prohibition is guilty of a Class F felony. This bill also specifies that it is a felony to hide or bury a corpse with the intent to collect Medical Assistance, benefits or services under Wisconsin Works, or food stamps.

Because this bill creates a new crime or revises a penalty for an existing crime, the Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties may be requested to prepare a report concerning the proposed penalty and the costs or savings that are likely to result if the bill is enacted.