Imagine getting fined thousands of dollars for something your child did. That's exactly what may happen if a bill touting parental accountability is passed by senators

They're calling it the "Parent Accountability Act of 2020" - introduced by Vice Speaker Telena Nelson and Sen. Amanda Shelton. Bill 310 would slap parents whose children break the law, injure someone or damage property with up to $5,000 in fines.

Even parents of children who are bystanders that "initiate or incite" a crime could be subject to a $1,000 fine.

So we asked the vice speaker if her and Shelton's bill was criminalizing bad parenting.

"I don't believe it does because what I wanted to ensure is there was a course of action and an option given for parents to seek family counseling with their child and if they see family counseling with their child, then these fines can be waived," Nelson said.

The measure says parents of children who engage in misconduct like graffiti, shoplifting or any "willful or malicious act" will not only be liable for paying for the cost of damages to property but also be on the hook for up to $5,000 in damages for victims to cover medical or therapeutic care costs.

Shelton and Nelson's bill also gives the courts the authority to waive any fines or damages - something the courts and judges already have the power to do, Nelson admits.

"Perhaps this bill is harsh, but this will create the discussion and where do we go from here as a community,"

For a bill that says it will hold parents accountable, the measure provides several ways parents can avoid being held accountable for crimes their kids commit.

For example, if a parent reports any criminal act their child commits, makes a "reasonable effort to restrain the wrongdoer", if a parent or guardian makes a "reasonable effort to supervise and direct their child" or if a parent seeks the help of school authorities or a therapist, the judge in a case "may" waive fines and damages. "good cause" is also listed as a way out for parents whose kids break the law.

We asked Nelson what advice she has for the island's parents.

"I'm not in the position to give advice to parenting," she said. "I just know that they're suffering in the family and I know that they're suffering in the family and I know that we need to help each other as a community."

Meanwhile, a law holding parents accountable is already on the books. Former Sen.Tony Ada's Bill 149 was signed into law by Gov. Eddie Calvo. The law repealed and reenacted a section of law relative to parental liability for willful acts of minor children. Ada told KUAM amending his law would be better than duplicating it in the education code.

"It's not what's best," Ada said.