The House Judiciary Committee heard SB 322, sponsored by Rep. Steuerwald and Rep. Bauer, on DNA for felony arrestees. This bill requires every person arrested for a felony after December 31, 2017, to submit a DNA sample, and specifies that the sample may be obtained only by buccal swab. However, the DNA sample may not be shipped for DNA identification unless the arrestee was … [Read more...] about DNA for felony arrestees
Dealing in heroin
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 324 on dealing in heroin sponsored by Rep. Steuerwald. Author Sen. Houchin presented the bill, which establishes sentence enhancements if a certain quantity of heroin is sold within a 90-day period. The bill also makes dealing in heroin as a Level 2 or Level 3 felony non-suspendible if the person has a prior felony … [Read more...] about Dealing in heroin
Abortion, child abuse, and human trafficking
The House Public Policy Committee continued discussion on SB 404 regarding abortion, child abuse, and human trafficking sponsored by Rep. Mayfield and Rep. Washburne. An amendment was adopted to require parental notification in judicial bypass proceedings unless the juvenile court finds that it is in the best interests of a pregnant minor to obtain an abortion without parental … [Read more...] about Abortion, child abuse, and human trafficking
Child services
The House Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee heard SB 447, sponsored by Rep. Frizzell, Rep McNamara, Rep. J. Taylor, on child services. Sen. Merritt, author, introduced the legislation, which is the Department of Child Services (DCS) bill for 2017. It includes these provisions: Allows the Department of Child Services (department) to share costs incurred making new hires … [Read more...] about Child services
Motor vehicle related offenses
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 479 on motor vehicle related offenses sponsored by Reps. Young, Steuerwald, May, and Washburne. Rep. Young presented the bill, which provides that a person who commits a Class A misdemeanor or a felony by failing to comply with the duties of the operator of a motor vehicle involved in an accident commits a separate offense for … [Read more...] about Motor vehicle related offenses