TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on May 29, 2020

The Tennessee House Criminal Justice Subcommittee approved legislation that would increase penalties against parents or guardians who fail to expediently report a missing child to law enforcement or the appropriate agency. The bill — sponsored by Rep. Timothy Hill, R-Blountville; Rep. John Crawford, R-Kingsport; and Rep. Bud Hulsey, R-Kingsport — passed on a voice vote. Known as “Evelyn’s Law” in honor of deceased Sullivan County toddler Evelyn Boswell, House Bill 1309 requires a report of a missing child within 48 hours of the child’s disappearance. Failure to do so would be punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,500 or both. The Times News has the story.