The Senate Judiciary Committee heard HB 1069, on no contact orders and battery. This bill permits the Department of Child Services (DCS) to file a petition for a no contact order on behalf of foster parents and their foster kids. The legislation also increases the penalty for battery against members of foster families from a Class B misdemeanor to a Level 6 felony. DCS spoke in f … [Read more...] about No contact orders and battery
children
Juvenile justice
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
Guardianship; Department of Child Services
The Senate Family & Children Services Committee heard HB 1183, sponsored by Sen. Buck, on guardianship; Department of Child Services. Author Rep. Frizzell presented this bill providing that a delegation of power by a properly executed power of attorney does not subject the parties to any laws, rules, or regulations concerning the licensing or regulation of foster family homes, … [Read more...] about Guardianship; Department of Child Services
Parenting coordinators
The Senate Civil Law committee heard SB 250 addressing parenting coordinators authored by Sen. Buck. Sen. Buck introduced the bill explaining he is concerned about the well-being of children in high conflict custody cases. The bill allows for the appointment of parenting coordinators to assist in disputes regarding custody and parenting matters. The bill also provides qu … [Read more...] about Parenting coordinators
Registry of convicted child abusers
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard Sen Yoder’s SB 357 creating a registry of convicted child abusers. This bill defines "crime of child abuse" and requires the State Police Department (department) to establish an electronic child abuse registry containing information relating to persons convicted of a crime of child abuse. It also requires the department to adopt rules to e … [Read more...] about Registry of convicted child abusers