Day 19 - 2/15/2006
>> Back to Week Five, Feb. 13 - Feb. 16
FY 2006 Budget Passes Senate with Money for Katie Beckett Children
In an unusual action, the Senate passed its version of the FY2006 Amended Budget with a floor amendment by Sen. Regina Thomas (2nd) moving $3.6 million in state funds from the bond section of the budget into the Department of Community Health for the purpose of serving children with disabilities terminated from Medicaid because they did not meet the controversial new Katie Beckett eligibility criteria established by DCH in October 2005. The amendment notes that these funds would not qualify for federal match. The House version of the 2006 Amended Budget had taken money out of the DCH and DHR budgets and placed it in the bond section, apparently so that the funds could be used in FY2007. The House and Senate should soon begin conference committee negotiations on the 2006 Amended Budget.
The House passed HB 661 which requires local school systems to inform parents of clubs available to students and to give parents an opportunity to withhold permission for their children's participation.
The House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee recommended passage of HB 1031clarifying that incest is between an adult relative and a child, regardless of gender. Current law refers to incest between males and females.
Coming Events
Thursday, February 16
Senate convenes at 8:30 a.m. SR 700 continuing the Juvenile Law Commission is on the calendar.
House Judiciary Civil Committee, 2:00 or Adjournment, 132 CAP – HB 847 Juvenile proceedings; emancipation of minor by petition; HB 1023 Marriage contracts; age of majority.
Senate Judiciary Committee 3:30 p.m., 307 CLOB – HB 1059 Sexual Offenders; increases penalties for perpetrators of sex crimes against children
Friday, February 17
General Assembly in recess
Monday, February 20
General Assembly in recess
Tuesday, February 21
House Judiciary Non-Civil Subcommittee 2, 2:00 p.m., Room 515 CLOB – HB 987 Juvenile Court jurisdiction for adoption procedures