(FAIRBANKS) - The Family Rights Act of 2006, omnibus legislation carried by Representative John Coghill (R-North Pole) for Governor Frank Murkowski, has passed the House by a vote of 36 to 0. This legislation was crafted with support from Representatives Norman Rokeberg (R-Anchorage) and Mike Chenault (R-Nikiski), as well as the Office of Children's Services and the Department of Law.

This legislation makes a number of substantive changes to current law regarding children in need of aid, including, an increase in the standard of proof required to terminate parental rights to clear and convincing evidence, providing OCS with more ability to discuss cases, and restricting the distribution of permanent fund dividends of foster or adopted children.

Amendments on the floor provided more inclusion of information that OCS can release about a case. It also clarified mandatory reporting of the duties of those involved in the delivery of a child when they determine the baby has adverse conditions from controlled substance or alcohol exposure.

Representative Coghill said of the bill, "We want to make sure every effort is made to preserve the family. We continue to make government more accountable and more transparent."

HB 408 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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