4 February 2015

Two senate committees- judiciary and health & welfare- continue to work on S. 9, an act relating to improving Vermont's system for protecting children from abuse and neglect. The bill was the result of a summer study committee convened after the death of two children in DCF custody. The VBA Family, Juvenile, and Criminal Law Sections are reviewing the bill and considering their positions on the changes being proposed. DCF and Chief Superior Court Judge Brian Grearson are involved in reviewing it also.

The Uniform Transfer to Minors Act moved to third reading yesterday after the house approved the amended version as reported by the judiciary committee. I expect the bill will pass the house this afternoon and be introduced in the senate on Friday.

Later today the newly constituted Joint Committee on Judicial Retention will hold its organizational meeting. Here is the membership of the new committee:

JUDICIAL RETENTION COMMITTEE – 2015

House Members                                    Senate Members

Willem Jewett                                      Peg Flory

Chip Conquest                                     Joe Benning

Barbara Rachelson                                Alice Nitka                                                   

Gary Viens                                          Michael Sirotkin

         

Judges up for retention this year include Judge Grearson, Judge Teachout and Judge Van Benthuysen. Magistrates Harlow and Hoyt are also up for retention.

Thanks for reading.