Triggered by the alleged sexual hazing scandal at Sayreville War Memorial High School, upcoming legislation in Trenton would increase the penalties for adults who fail to report instances of child abuse.

Scoreboard at Sayreville High School
Scoreboard at Sayreville High School (Dino Flammia, Townsquare Media NJ)
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Under the measure to be sponsored by state Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union), adults with supervisory positions involving minors - teachers, coaches, and camp counselors among others - would be subject to a fourth-degree crime if they know about abuse and choose not to report it.

"If someone sees child abuse, and they're in a caregiver's position, they have to have a heightened responsibility to report these crimes," Lesniak said. "They can't just turn their backs to it or close their eyes to it."

Currently, non-reporting is treated as a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey. Jail time would be possible under the legislation, depending on the severity of the case.

It was recently reported that a number of Sayreville High teachers who also coach football have been suspended with pay as a criminal investigation continues into allegations of extreme hazing within the program. Seven teens were charged.

The bill is also in response to alleged child abuse by NFL star Adrian Peterson, who has been benched by the Minnesota Vikings and recently pleaded not guilty to a charge of felony child abuse for using a wooden switch to discipline his 4-year-old son earlier this year.

Lesniak said child abuse is "too often unreported" in New Jersey and across the country.

"This will make a statement that child abuse is a serious offense and must be dealt with seriously as well," he said. "And we all have a responsibility, specifically those in caregiver positions, to report any case of child abuse."

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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