House Bill 2419 specifies that when children are taken from the home that every effort should be made in order to keep siblings together so long as there is no safety issue. The bill also says that if siblings cannot be kept together efforts must be made to allow for frequent contact between the siblings. If contact is not maintained the state must explain to the court specifically why contact is not being maintained.
The proposal is sponsored by a number of Pima County lawmakers including Rep. Nancy Young Wright (D), Rep Steve Farley (D), Rep. Daniel Patterson (D), and Rep. Matt Heinz (D).
HB 2419 was heard in the House Health and Human Services Committee on February 3, 2010 and passed with a unanimous vote. Three local lawmakers are members of that committee. Rep. David Bradley (D) voted in favor of the bill as did Rep. Phil Lopes (D). Rep. Frank Antenori (R) is a member of the committee but was absent for the vote.
Update
On March 22, 2010 the full House passed HB 2419 on a 58-0 vote.
House Pima County Delegation Vote:
David Bradley (D) – Yes
Olivia Cajero Bedford (D) – Yes
Steve Farley (D) – Yes
David Gowan (R) – Yes
Matt Heinz (D) – Yes
Phil Lopes (D) – Yes
Daniel Patterson (D) – Yes
Ted Vogt (R) – Yes
Vic Williams (R) – Yes
Nancy Young Wright (D) – Yes
Update
On April 20, 2010 the full Senate approved HB 2419 on a 28-0 vote.
Pima County Senate Delegation Vote:
- Paula Aboud (D) – Yes
- Frank Antenori (R) – Yes
- Jorge Luis Garcia (D) – Yes
- Linda Lopez (D) – Yes
- Al Melvin (R) – Yes
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