[Adopted 9-15-2011 by L.L. No. 46-2011]
A. 
This Legislature hereby finds and determines that over 2,000 children go missing in the United States each day. This Legislature also finds and determines that prompt reporting of a missing child is important to aid in the child's swift and safe return. This Legislature further finds and determines that since 2008, the nation has been gripped by the story of Caylee Anthony, a young child who went missing and was eventually found dead. This Legislature finds that Caylee Anthony was not reported missing by her mother for 31 days after her initial disappearance. This Legislature determines that parents and guardians who have been entrusted with the care of a child should be obligated to report their child missing within 24 hours or face serious consequences for failure to do so. This Legislature also finds that failure to report a child missing within 24 hours should be a criminal act subject to significant penalties.
B. 
Therefore, the purpose of this article is to require a parent or guardian of a child to report his/her child missing within 24 hours of discovering the child's disappearance.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
GUARDIAN
Any natural person who has been charged with ensuring the safety and well-being of a minor for a period of 24 hours or longer. This term shall not apply to any person responsible for a minor for less than a twenty-four-hour period.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
The Suffolk County Police Department or, if the minor goes missing outside of the Police District, a Town or village police department.
MINOR
Any natural person under the age of 18 years.
PARENT
The mother or father of a minor.
If a minor goes missing in the County of Suffolk, the minor's parent or guardian must report same to law enforcement within 24 hours of discovering the minor's disappearance.
Violation of this article shall constitute an unclassified misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to one year's imprisonment.