The House Judiciary Committee heard SB 1, sponsored by Rep. Steuerwald and Rep Koch, establishing a 12-member administrative law study commission to determine whether to establish a centralized administrative court to replace existing administrative-law and environmental-law judges. Author Sen. Steele explained that qualifications and salaries of ALJs vary widely from agency to … [Read more...] about Administrative law study commission
Release of identifying adoption information
The House Committee on Judiciary heard SB 91, sponsored by Rep. Steuerwald and Rep. Gutwein, on release of identifying adoption information. The bill repeals existing provisions applicable to adoptions finalized before 1994 that prohibit the release of a birth parent’s information unless a consent to release is on file. Effective July 1, 2018, adoption information can be released u … [Read more...] about Release of identifying adoption information
Criminal gang organization
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 141, sponsored by Rep. Kirchhofer and Rep. Delaney, on criminal gang organization. Author Sen. R. Michael Young introduced the bill that changes the term "criminal gang" to "criminal organization." It also provides that a criminal organization is a group organized to commit a felony or the crime of battery and increases the … [Read more...] about Criminal gang organization
Guardianship and adult protective services report
The House Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee heard SB 192, sponsored by Rep. DeVon, on guardianship and adult protective services report. Author Sen. Crider introduced the bill that provides, unless specifically authorized by a court order, a guardian may not restrict a protected person's right to communication, visitation, or interaction with other individuals. It also … [Read more...] about Guardianship and adult protective services report
Criminal law matters
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 290, sponsored by Rep. Steuerwald, on criminal law matters. Author R. Michael Young introduced the bill that provides that a person may be convicted of possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance without additional evidence of intent to manufacture or deliver if the person possesses more than a … [Read more...] about Criminal law matters