 | Our Top Story . . . ADAM International Joins Illinois Fathers, Inc. in Support of the Steven Watkins' Bill Reported by ADAM International Correspondent Liz Jackson click for full story |
In the United States. . .
Over 40% of All Domestic Violence & Abuse is Committed by Women Against Men
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After passing the House, HB 1604 moved to the Senate for consideration. It landed in the Senate Assignments Committee a few weeks ago but has not been scheduled for a hearing. Since its introduction in the House, eight legislators have signed on as co-sponsors. We’ve talked about court orders before, and the consequences of violating a court order for child support. This bill would bring penalties for violating court orders for visitation in line with those for child support. Under the proposed law, if a court finds a person in contempt on a visitation order, the court may order that the Secretary of State suspend that person’s license. The suspension will last until the family court determines
the violator has been in compliance for long enough. The bill would allow the
court to issue a provisional permit to allow the offender to drive to work or
to look for a job. Procedurally, the bill requires proper notice to the violator
and allows the violator 45 days to appeal before the suspension goes into
effect. Other options open to the court would include suspension of the offender’s professional license (not to exceed six months) and criminal conviction for a petty offense, carrying a fine of up to $500 for each visitation abuse incident. Repeat offenders could find themselves in jail, one day for each visitation denial, and subject to a $5,000 bond. Finally, the bill would allow the court to modify the visitation agreement if a person violates a court order. That decision must be based on the best interest of the child. Perhaps Steven Watkins’ little boy will benefit if the bill becomes law. While his ordeal inspired the bill, it’s impossible to know if a law like this would have spared Steven Watkins’ life. His ex-wife’s grandmother was convicted of his murder last year, and the boy’s mother is now awaiting extradition on nine counts of visitation interference. |
