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De facto parenthood requires both parents’ consent, Maryland high court says
An adult involved in raising a child cannot be a "de facto parent" with a claim to visitation unless both parents consented to relationship, high court says.
Foster parents would have right to intervene under Senate bill
ANNAPOLIS – Foster parents, often treated as mere witnesses in placement decisions regarding children in need of assistance (CINA), would have the right to intervene in the court cases where those decisions are made under legislation that came before a Senate panel Thursday. “Foster parents are among the most caring, giving, thoughtful people you will […]
‘Hate crime’ has separate legal, colloquial meanings
Welcome to Monday, the 58th anniversary of the premiere of ABC’s “Wide World of Sports.” Here are some news items to get your week started: — When is a “hate crime” not a hate crime in the legal sense? — Question of alleged killer’s competency puts California trial on hold. — Judge strikes down Texas […]
The correct call on terminating rapists’ parental rights
In a period in American history that has seen a dramatic increase in public awareness of sexual assault, it was about time Maryland finally passed a law that permits rape victims to go to court to terminate the parental rights of a rapist.
Hogan signs bill enabling judges to end rapists’ parental rights
ANNAPOLIS – Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan on Tuesday signed into law a long-stalled measure to enable courts to strip parental rights from a mother or father who conceived the child through non-consensual intercourse. By its terms, the Rape Survivor Family Protection Act went into effect upon the governor’s signature. “This is a very important day,” […]
Bill to end rapists’ parental rights passes House
ANNAPOLIS – Legislation to enable courts to strip parental rights from a mother or father who conceived the child through non-consensual intercourse will head to the governor for his signature. The House of Delegates passed the legislation Wednesday, a day after the Senate gave its approval to the measure. Gov. Larry Hogan pledged to sign […]
Senate preliminarily approves bill to end rapists’ parental rights
Maryland lawmakers are moving early to advance legislation to end parental rights of rapists.
Senate panel approves bill to end rapists’ parental rights
ANNAPOLIS – The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on Tuesday approved perennially introduced but annually ill-fated legislation to enable courts to strip parental rights from a mother or father who conceived the child through non-consensual intercourse. With the committee’s voice vote, attention shifts to the full Senate, which could begin consideration of the Senate Bill 2 […]
Senate panel again considers bill to end rapists’ parental rights
ANNAPOLIS – Perennially introduced but annually ill-fated legislation to enable courts to strip parental rights from a mother or father who conceived the child through non-consensual intercourse received an unusually early hearing this General Assembly session and with broad support – giving sponsors hope that this could be the year it finally becomes law. The […]
Lawmakers will focus on Baltimore’s violence, online bullying, parental rights
With the number of homicides exceeding 300 annually in Baltimore, the Maryland General Assembly this coming session will consider increasing funding for programs legislators say show promise for reducing violent crime in the state’s most populous city as well as strengthening penalties for illegal gun possession and witness intimidation. Legislation will also be introduced to […]
Md. lawmakers confident bill denying rapists parental rights will pass next year
Proponents of a bill that would allow women to strip rights from a parent who conceived a child through non-consensual intercourse think they will have a version that passes in the Maryland General Assembly in 2018, especially with the heads of both chambers naming the measure as a priority. Del. Kathleen M. Dumais, D-Montgomery, who has […]
No immediate appeals for reunification waivers, Md. high court says
Parents of children deemed in need of assistance cannot immediately appeal a court order waiving a governmental agency’s obligation to provide reasonable reunification efforts between the parent and child, Maryland’s top court has unanimously ruled. In its 7-0 decision, the Court of Appeals rejected a mother’s argument that she had a statutory right to appeal […]
