The Senate Judiciary Committee heard HB 1369, on juvenile justice which assigns the task of looking at innovative juvenile programs to the Commission on Improving the Status of Children. Sponsor Sen. Holdman explained that the intent is to showcase programs, including those offered by community corrections programs, across the state. The bill passed 7-0. Read the bill … [Read more...] about Juvenile justice
Administrative law study commission
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