The House Public Policy Committee heard SB 404 on abortion, child abuse, and human trafficking sponsored by Rep. Mayfield and Rep. Washburne. Author Sen. Houchin characterized the bill as strengthening parental rights by requiring parental consent with proof of identity to be provided before a minor may have an abortion. The bill addresses, among other items, a number of abortion … [Read more...] about Abortion, child abuse, and human trafficking
children
Accessing child pornography
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard HB 1091, sponsored by Sen. Tomes, on accessing child pornography. The bill makes it a Level 6 felony to access with intent to view a photograph or other pictorial representation that depicts or describes sexual conduct by a child who the person knows is less than 18 years of age or who appears to be less than 18 years of age … [Read more...] about Accessing child pornography
Plan for the permanent placement of a child
he House Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee heard SB 49, sponsored by Rep. Zent, on requiring the filing of a plan for the permanent placement of a child when a petition for termination of parental rights is filed with a court. Representatives of FSSA and the Indiana Association of Child Advocacy testified in favor of the bill which passed 12-0. Read the bill at … [Read more...] about Plan for the permanent placement of a child
Commission on Improving the Status of Children
The Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard HB 1080, sponsored by Sens. Grooms, Breaux, and Lanane, on the Commission on Improving the Status of Children. This bill provides that the Commission on Improving the Status of Children (Commission) may appoint an executive director to perform duties as assigned by the Commission. The Office of Judicial Administration shall pay … [Read more...] about Commission on Improving the Status of Children
Child neglect defense
For amend and vote only, the Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard Sen. Holdman’s and Sen. Head’s SB 246 providing an additional child neglect defense to an emergency medical provider who took custody of a child under Indiana’s Save Haven law. The Committee adopted an amendment by consent permitting the use of newborn safety devices in a conspicuous area visible to staf … [Read more...] about Child neglect defense