Senate Approves Bill That Would Create Child Abuse Registry

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Senate has passed a bill that would create a public registry of people convicted of child abuse or neglect.

The bill that would create a list similar to online sex-offender registries was passed by the Senate on Wednesday on a 49-0 vote. The bill was inspired by the death of 19-month-old Kirk Coleman who died of a brain injury in 2014 while being cared for by a baby-sitter who had previously pleaded guilty to child neglect. She is awaiting trial on a charge of felony battery resulting in death.

State Sen. Carlin Yoder authored the bill. The Republican from Middlebury calls it one more tool for parents to help assure the safety of their children.

The bill now goes to the House.