Bill Would Close Loophole In Child Neglect Law

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The state Senate Thursday passed a bill intended to close a loophole in the state's child neglect law.<br/><br/>Senator Debbe Leftwich says the bill changes the word "and" to

Thursday, May 24th 2007, 3:40 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The state Senate Thursday passed a bill intended to close a loophole in the state's child neglect law.

Senator Debbe Leftwich says the bill changes the word "and" to "or" in the definition of child neglect.

The bill is in reaction to a woman being found innocent of neglect in the death of her daughter who drowned in a bathtub while the mother took a nap.

Current law says child neglect includes failing to provide food, shelter, medical care, proper clothing "and" supervision.

A judge agreed with the mother's attorneys that she didn't violate all the conditions so the case didn't meet the legal definition of neglect.

She was later convicted of a lesser charge.

The bill now goes to the House for consideration.