The case of a homeless mother accused of stealing her son's education could end up changing state law in Connecticut.
Democrats and Republicans are discussing new legislation related to the arrest of Tonya McDowell, the Stamford Advocate reports.
McDowell was charged with larceny in April after registering her son at a school in Norwalk in September 2010. She used a babysitter's address.
At the time, McDowell said, she was living in a van, sleeping at a Norwalk shelter or staying at a friend's Bridgeport apartment. The case captured national attention and more than 19,000 signatures are on an online petition to stop the court case.
State Rep. Bruce Morris, D-Norwalk, wants to change the law so a case like McDowell's is not prosecuted as a felony, the Advocate reports. Instead, it would be a civil matter for the local school boards.
However, House Minority Leader Lawrence Cafero, R-Norwalk, told the Advocate that limiting it to a civil matter gives people an incentive to scam the education system but he is willing to consider lesser penalties.
Lawmakers are also discussing if any new language would apply to McDowell specifically. Either way, time is running out. The legislative session ends on June 8.
