The House Public Health Committee heard HB 1269 concerning mental health matters, authored by Rep. Clere. As reported previously, this bill addresses several mental health issues including: authorizing the DOC or jail to serve as a representative of inmates for the purposes of applying for Medicaid eligibility; requiring the DOC or jail to assist inmates apply for Medicaid prior … [Read more...] about Mental health matters
Criminal
Confidential victim services requests
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 289, authored by Sen. Arnold and Sen. Steele, on confidential victim services requests. This bill permits, for purposes of the public records law, a law enforcement agency to share certain information with a crime victim advocate without the agency losing the discretion to keep this information confidential from other persons requesting … [Read more...] about Confidential victim services requests
Seizure and forfeiture of property.
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard Sen. Hershman’s SB 388 on seizure and forfeiture of property. The bill was significantly amended from its original provisions and now focuses on collection of data. The bill requires that forfeiture and seizure data, including an itemized list of property seized, estimated value of seized property, and an itemized list of any previously seized pr … [Read more...] about Seizure and forfeiture of property.
Serious sex offenders
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 522 concerning serious sex offenders, authored by Sens. Mrvan, R. Young, Bray ,and Lanane. The bill defines "serious sex offender" and makes entry on school property by a serious sex offender a Level 6 felony. The bill also provides that a serious sex offender is entitled to vote by mail and requires the department of … [Read more...] about Serious sex offenders
Methamphetamine
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard testimony concerning SB 536 addressing methamphetamine related conviction reporting authored by Sens. R. Young, Yoder, and Head. This bill requires courts to report methamphetamine related convictions to the state police department, and requires the police department to report those convictions to the National Association of … [Read more...] about Methamphetamine