West Virginians could soon face criminal charges for falsely reporting child abuse or neglect to influence a custody case.

The House of Delegates voted 85-13 Wednesday to send the Senate a measure that would also slap any parent making a false report with a $1,000 fine or paying the other side's lawyer fees.

The misdemeanor crime would also carry a punishment of up to 60 hours of community service.

The bill is among the goals of groups that allege West Virginia treats fathers unfairly in awarding custody and child support. Lawmakers have debated the prevalence of false reporting.

Kanawha County Democrat and House Judiciary Chairwoman Carrie
Webster said the bill was amended to ensure its provisions do not
chill the reporting of actual abuse or neglect.