Committee adopts amendment to align safe-haven publication with adoption timelines
March 06, 2023 | JUDICIARY COMMITTEE - SENATE, Senate, Committees, Legislative, Arkansas
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to adopt an amendment to legislation aligning safe-haven publication requirements with existing adoption publication timelines.
Senator Tammy (sponsor) presented an amendment that changes publication to once a week for four weeks and extends the time to respond to the publication to 30 days from the date of last publication. Sarah Ross, deputy chief counsel at the Department of Human Services, told the committee the amendment "just extend[s] the time period for publication" and aligns the provision with the adoption code.
Attorney Clint Lancaster testified in support, noting the putative father registry (Ark. Code 20-18-702(c)) is available for fathers to register and that extended publication would protect fathers’ rights while preserving the safe-haven purpose. Committee questions focused on ensuring fathers’ rights are preserved; DHS counsel said the amendment treats parents the same and is consistent with existing adoption practice.
The committee passed the bill as amended and the sponsor asked for a favorable vote.
Senator Tammy (sponsor) presented an amendment that changes publication to once a week for four weeks and extends the time to respond to the publication to 30 days from the date of last publication. Sarah Ross, deputy chief counsel at the Department of Human Services, told the committee the amendment "just extend[s] the time period for publication" and aligns the provision with the adoption code.
Attorney Clint Lancaster testified in support, noting the putative father registry (Ark. Code 20-18-702(c)) is available for fathers to register and that extended publication would protect fathers’ rights while preserving the safe-haven purpose. Committee questions focused on ensuring fathers’ rights are preserved; DHS counsel said the amendment treats parents the same and is consistent with existing adoption practice.
The committee passed the bill as amended and the sponsor asked for a favorable vote.
View the Full Meeting & All Its Details
This article offers just a summary. Unlock complete video, transcripts, and insights as a Founder Member.
✓
Watch full, unedited meeting videos
✓
Search every word spoken in unlimited transcripts
✓
AI summaries & real-time alerts (all government levels)
✓
Permanent access to expanding government content
30-day money-back guarantee
