HB 1317 -- Abuse of a Child

Sponsor:  Riddle

This bill specifies that a person commits the crime of abuse of a
child if he or she knowingly causes physical injury to a child
younger than seventeen years of age which results in shaken baby
syndrome.  "Shaken baby Syndrome" is defined as any physical
injury caused by the rotational acceleration of the head by any
means including, but not limited to, shaking, jerking, pushing,
pulling, slamming, or kicking.

Abuse of a child is a class C felony, unless the person inflicts
serious physical injury or serious emotional injury on a child
younger than two years of age or it is committed as part of a
ritual or ceremony in which case it will be a class B felony.

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated January 25, 2012 at 5:18 pm