The House Judiciary Committee heard HB 1605 on juvenile law matters, authored by Rep. McGuire. The law seeks to enhance child safety, ensure timely services, and clarify the roles and rights of involved parties in legal proceedings. On February 2nd, the committee heard testimony in support of the bill from Champions for Children, Firefly Children & Family Alliance, three … [Read more...] about Juvenile law matters
Juvenile
Safe haven infants and foster youth
The House Family, Children, and Human Affairs Committee heard HB 1099 on safe haven infants and foster youth, authored by Rep. DeVon and Rep. K. Pierce. The bill provides that the maximum age for a safe haven infant is 60 days of age, repeals the definition of "abandoned child", amends the definition of "foster youth", and makes conforming changes. The Indiana Association for … [Read more...] about Safe haven infants and foster youth
Child welfare task force
The House Family, Children, and Human Affairs Committee heard HB 1273 on child welfare task force, authored by Rep. DeVon. The bill: The following testified in support of the bill: Indiana Association of Resources and Child Advocacy, Firefly Children and Family Alliance, Bashor Children’s home, National Youth Advocate Program, Indiana Association of Education for Young C … [Read more...] about Child welfare task force
Youth, family, and caregiver engagement initiative
The House Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee heard HB 1098 on youth, family, and caregiver engagement initiative by Rep. DeVon. Mark Fairchild, Executive Director of the Commission on Improving the Status of Children in Indiana (CISC), presented a description of the bill and primary testimony in support. The bill would allow CISC to develop strategies to promote … [Read more...] about Youth, family, and caregiver engagement initiative
Concurrent juvenile jurisdiction on military bases
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1121 authored by Rep. McNamara on concurrent juvenile jurisdiction on military bases. The bill creates a process for the state to establish concurrent jurisdiction with the United States for certain juvenile proceedings on Indiana military property. The bill was amended by consent to (1) clarify that it applies to only … [Read more...] about Concurrent juvenile jurisdiction on military bases