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Committee adopts amendment to align safe-haven publication with adoption timelines
Summary
The committee approved an amendment aligning safe-haven publication requirements with adoption code: publication once a week for four weeks and a 30-day response period; DHS counsel said the change expands protections and matches current adoption practice.
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to adopt an amendment to legislation aligning safe-haven publication requirements with existing adoption publication timelines.
Senator Tammy (sponsor) presented an amendment that changes publication to once a week for four weeks and extends the time to respond to the publication to 30 days from the date of last publication. Sarah Ross, deputy chief counsel at the Department of Human Services, told the committee the amendment "just extend[s] the time period for publication" and aligns the provision with the adoption code.
Attorney Clint Lancaster testified in support, noting the putative father registry (Ark. Code 20-18-702(c)) is available for fathers to register and that extended publication would protect fathers’ rights while preserving the safe-haven purpose. Committee questions focused on ensuring fathers’ rights are preserved; DHS counsel said the amendment treats parents the same and is consistent with existing adoption practice.
The committee passed the bill as amended and the sponsor asked for a favorable vote.
