The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 179 on child support, authored by Sen. Bray. The bill provides the following: incarceration of a parent may not be considered voluntary unemployment in determining an amount to be ordered for support of a child a court may modify the child support order, or approve a proposed modification, without holding a hearing if: (1) a petition to … [Read more...] about Child support
Family
Eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance
The Senate Committee on Family and Children Services heard SB 11 authored by Sen. Bohacek on eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance. The bill (1) removes the 12-month limitation on receipt by certain individuals of supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefits, and (2) specifies that, beginning January 1, 2019, Indiana elects to opt out of the federal law pr … [Read more...] about Eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance
Newborn safety devices at fire departments
The Senate Civil Law Committee heard SB 123 on newborn safety devices at fire departments authored by Sen. Holdman. Under the Safe Haven Law, this bill adds that it is a defense to a claim of neglect of a dependent if the individual left the child in a newborn safety device that is located at a fire department, including a volunteer fire department, that meets specified … [Read more...] about Newborn safety devices at fire departments
Required DCS notification for schools
The Senate Committee on Family and Children Services heard SB 135 authored by Sens. Bohacek and Zay on required DCS notification for schools. The bill (1) requires a law enforcement agency that participates in a child abuse or neglect assessment (assessment) involving a child who attends kindergarten through grade 12 to provide information to the department of child services (DCS) if … [Read more...] about Required DCS notification for schools
Maximum number of foster children
The Senate Committee on Family and Children Services heard SB 184 authored by Sens. Zay and Ford on the maximum number of foster children. The bill increases from five to six the number of children who may be supervised in a foster family home. Sen. Zay explained that as recently as 2011 the limit was eight children per home, which was then lowered to five, but many experienced fo … [Read more...] about Maximum number of foster children