Gwyneth Gibby, May 1, 2007
A bill that would help protect victims of child abuse was passed unanimously in the Oregon House of Representatives on Monday.
The bill is named "Karly's Law" for Karly Sheehan, the Corvallis 3-year-old who was beaten to death in June, 2005, by her mother's boyfriend, Shawn Field. Karly was the subject of a Department of Human Services Child Welfare investigation six months before she died, but the investigation concluded she was not the victim of abuse. In November, 2006, Field was found guilty of torturing and killing Karly and is currently serving a life sentence.
The legislation was introduced by Rep. Sara Gelser of Corvallis. If it becomes law, it would tighten the requirements for investigating potential child abuse victims.
"To say I was pleased is an understatement," said Gelser about Monday's vote.