The Senate Judiciary Committee met at 3:00 PM today to discuss four bills.
The first of these bills was SB 51, which updates visitation rights for grandparents. The bill allows daytime visitations, overnight visitations, and electronic communication. The bill was adopted and will be reported to the full Senate with recommendation for passage.
The second bill to be considered was SB 191, which makes aggravated cruelty to animals a felony offense. The bill clarifies the different instances of animal abuse and specifies the civil penalties. The bill was adopted and will be reported to the full Senate.
SB 522 was also adopted, which relates to compensation awards to victims of crimes. The bill provides juvenile victims of abuse and neglect cases services not provided by Medicaid or other resources. These services include psychological care and financial compensation. This bill will advance to the Senate Finance Committee for further discussion.
The Committee also discussed SB 529, which establishes a time limit for claimants to fine claims against the state for unjust arrest, wrongful convictions, and wrongful incarceration. It also establishes a 10-year claim limit for claims benefits and limits damages under certain conditions. The bill was adopted and will be reported to the Senate.
