Alabama lawmakers have passed a bill to increase the consequences of providing false information to law enforcement. This decision comes in response to a highly publicized kidnapping hoax.
A woman from Alabama made a false claim earlier this summer, stating that she was abducted after stopping her car to check on a toddler she saw wandering along a suburban interstate. The nation was captivated by her story until police revealed it was fabricated.
Reporting false information to law enforcement authorities is considered a Class A misdemeanor in accordance with Alabama law. The legislation proposes to elevate the severity of false reports to a felony if they falsely claim an immediate threat to an individual or the general public. The legislation would also streamline the process of requesting reimbursement for law enforcement expenses.
The bill received unanimous support with a 32-0 vote in the Senate. Now it’s up to Gov. Kay Ivey to give her signature.
Carlee Russell, who confessed that her kidnapping story was a fabrication, pleaded guilty in March to misdemeanor charges of false reporting to law enforcement and falsely reporting an incident. She expressed remorse for her actions.
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