AUGUSTA (AP) – A legislative panel has taken under advisement a bill that would make it a crime for people to not report a serious medical emergency.

The proposal was introduced on behalf of Steve and Cathy Cilley of Princeton, who maintain that their 27-year-old son, Joshua, would not have died of an accidental gunshot wound four years ago if the woman he was with sought immediate help.

The couple testified Monday in support of what they call “Joshua’s Law.” Maine Public Broadcasting Network quoted the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Everett McLeod, R-Lee, as saying state law protecting wounded pets and animals are stiffer than those protecting people.

The Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee is scheduled to take up the bill again next month.


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