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MANTI — Miley White is a child abuse survivor.
She is now 3 years old even though doctors told her family in October 2013 she only had a 20 percent chance of survival.
When Miley was just 7 months old, she was severely injured after being violently shaken by her father, Gary Hansen. She is legally blind and has physical and cognitive disabilities.
After Hansen’s arrest, he pleaded no contest to a second-degree felony charge of child abuse. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison and will be eligible for parole in eight years.
Years later, White’s abuse story is gaining momentum, and grabbing the attention of Utah lawmakers to propel change in laws when it comes to convicted child abusers.
“We're calling this "Miley’s Bill" to honor her,” said Rep. Derrin Owens, R-Fountain Green. “Much like the Sex Offender Registry, this registry will require that those who are convicted of felony child abuse would then have to sign up on the child abuse registry."
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Miley's grandmother Joann Otten has been fighting for changes in the legal system for convicted child abusers since the 2013.
“The public has a right to know,“ Otten said.
She has been working with the Child Justice Center in Sanpete County and other organizations across Utah and said "Miley’s Bill" is a huge step in the right direction to protect children.
“This can’t happen again.” Otten said.
If the bill is passed during the 2017 session, Utah would become one of two states in the U.S. to have a public registry listing child abuse convicts. Indiana legislature unanimously passed a similar bill into law earlier this year.
Contributing: Tracie Snowder
