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Casey Anthony Trial Leads Senate To Ponder Child Welfare

TALLAHASSEE (CSB4)- In a direct response to concerns raised by the Casey Anthony trial about child protection, Senate President Mike Haridopolos announced Friday the creation of a Select Committee on Protecting Florida's Children.

The committee will be chaired by Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart. A Senate spokeswoman said the committee was being created because the president's office heard from members of the Senate and "concerned Floridians" that the Senate should further examine whether changes in child protection laws are needed.

In addition to Negron, Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, appointed Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, vice chairwoman. The other members of the committee will be Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami, Sen. Greg Evers, R-Baker, and Sen. Chris Smith, D-Fort Lauderdale.

"This select committee will be charged with examining the various policy options that are available to further advance the protection of Florida's children," a statement from the president's office said.  "The Florida Senate will discuss these options as a legislative body, and then determine whether changes need to be made to current Florida law."

(©2011 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The News Service of Florida contributed material for this report)

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