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‘Eli’s Law’ Bill to put child abusers on registry heads to Governor’s office

Posted at 4:18 PM, Mar 03, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-03 16:18:56-05

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. — The bill that would put convicted felons who intentionally hurt small children, on the same registry that already includes sex offenders, was passed by the Senate Thursday and is now headed to the Governor’s office to become law.

Hanover mother, Courtney Maddox, helped create House Bill 177, or Eli’s Law.

CBS 6 shared the story of Maddox, whose son Eli was severely injured by a family friend on Christmas Eve of 2010. The man convicted of the crime, Russell Talley, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with 11 years suspended.

That sentence troubled Maddox.

Courtney Maddox and Eli

Courtney Maddox and Eli

“We felt like those who permanently injure children with the intent to kill or permanent damage belong on that registry,” she said.

Maddox likens violent, malicious offenders to domestic abusers. “I do believe that these people will abuse again.”

Eli was immobile for six months after his January 2011 surgery, but slowly began to develop motor skills.  Now, while he has limited movement in his left arm, he’s an otherwise typical five year old boy.

Eli’s Law will now head to Governor Terry McAuliffe’s office for his signature.

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