NJ Lawmaker Introduces Child Abuse Reporting Measure [VIDEO]

A state lawmaker has introduced a bill today that would require people to immediately report to law enforcement if they see an adult molesting a child.

The measure is in direct response to the child sex abuse scandals still unfolding at Penn State University and Syracuse University.

Under State Senator Kip Bateman's bill, anyone who witnesses a child being sexually abused, must immediately report it to police or face the possibility of up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine.

Bateman said, "Law enforcement is equipped to investigate these matters.  And if you see something, a child being sexually abused, you want law enforcement involved immediately."

Bateman says some are concerned that spouses involved in a custody battle might use the law to file bogus charges.  He says a filing a false police report and making untrue accusations are already crimes.