Florida Senate panel approves law similar to 'Caylee's Law' after death of Casey Anthony's daughter

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - A Florida Senate panel has cleared increased penalties to a law closely related to "Caylee's Law."

The Criminal Justice committee passed 6-0 a bill (SB 400) that increases the penalty for the second and all subsequent offenses of giving false information to law enforcement about the alleged commission of a crime.

The bill raises the penalty to a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years. First offenses remain first-degree misdemeanors. It also adds requirements of corroboration to convict.

"Caylee's Law" addresses false information in a missing person investigation with intent to mislead or impede.

The changes were inspired by 2-year-old Caylee Anthony's death. Caylee's mother — Casey Anthony — was acquitted of murdering her in Orlando. Caylee wasn't reported missing until 31 days after she vanished in 2008.