SACRAMENTO, CA – In a unanimous, bipartisan vote, the State Assembly today passed Piqui’s Law, by Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park), which mandates judges take training on domestic violence and child abuse to prioritize child safety in custody proceedings and clarifies California's ban on the use of dangerous reunification programs in family court. Senate Bill 616, Piqui’s Law: Keeping … [Read more...]
New York Legislature: Experts in Child Custody Cases Must be Licensed
Legislation seeking to reform a key aspect of New York's Family Court system passed a crucial hurdle. By a unanimous vote, the state Senate passed the bill raising standards to be a "forensic evaluator" providing paid expertise in Family Court cases. Previously, the same bill had passed the Assembly. The bill is the first among a package seeking to increase child safety in Family Court that … [Read more...]
CA Senate Passes Rubio “Right to Pause” Family Court Bill, Increasing Protections for Children
In a bipartisan and unanimous vote, the California Senate passed a bill today by Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) that will protect victims and children by allowing for a pause in visitation if there are recent signs of escalating violent behavior by an abusive parent. Senate Bill 1265, “The Right to Pause Act: Child Custody Protection,” will amend the Family Code. It will clarify that in … [Read more...]
Violence Against Women Act Set to be Renewed Through Bipartisan Spending Agreement
Democratic and Republican lawmakers have agreed to include reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act in their omnibus spending package, Democratic leaders said Wednesday, capping a years-long effort to renew the landmark legislation after it expired in 2019. “When I first wrote and championed the original VAWA legislation, it helped break a dam of congressional and cultural resistance … [Read more...]