Wrap: St. Louis County Republican Senator Eric Schmitt has prefiled a bill for the upcoming legislative session that would add one sentence to Missouri's child abuse law.

That single sentence would extend the reponsiblity of mandated reporters to report child sexual abuse to all Missouri residents.

Schmitt also says that if Missourians don't report a case of sexual abuse, they would have to pay a thousand dollar fine and could spend up to a year in jail.

A spokesperson for Missouri Kids First says the law would be a step in the right direction, but that too many people are uncomfortable with the issue and not everyone will report it.

Wrap: St. Louis County Republican Senator Eric Schmitt wants to add a sentence to Missouri's child abuse law.

That one line would extend the reponsbility of mandated reporters to all Missouri residents.

Schmitt also says if a Missourian fails to report sexual abuse, they would have to pay a thousand dollar fine and could spend up to a year in jail.

A spokesperson for Missouri Kids First says the law would be a step in the right direction, but that too many people are uncomfortable with the issue and not everyone will report it.

From the state Capitol, I'm Rebecca Woolf.

Wrap: St. Louis County Republican Senator Eric Schmitt wants to add a sentence to the child abuse law that could send Missourians to jail if they see sexual abuse and don't report it.

Schmitt says if someone sees sexual abuse, they should be required to report it to the Department of Social Services. 

Joy Oesterley is the executive director of Missouri Kids First.

She says the law would be a positive change, but doubts it will really encourage all Missourians to report abuse if they see it.

Schmitt says Missourians who don't take action would have to pay a thousand dollar fine and could spend up to a year in jail.

From the state Capitol, I'm Rebecca Woolf.