| Visitation rights for
non-parents Washington
HB
1054
Author: Rep. Carolyn Edmonds
PO Box 40600
305 John L. O'Brien Bldg.
Olympia, WA 98504-0600
(360) 786-7880
edmonds_ca@leg.wa.gov
Purpose:
Would authorize courts to grant visitation rights to a non-parent (including an unmarried
partner of the child's biological parent) who has significant ties to a child if it
appears that such visitation would benefit the child in a substantial manner.
Actions taken:
bill introduced on January 12, 2001
April 25, 2001; by resolution, reintroduced and reinstated to present status.
Jan. 14,2002; by resolution, reintroduce and reinstated to present
status
Status: died in committee
Civil unions
California
AB 1338
Author: Paul Koretz
State Capitol
Room 2176
Sacramento, CA 94249-0001
(916) 319-2042 / fax (916) 319-2142
Purpose:
Would amend the law to declare that two adults, regardless of their gender, may enter into
a relationship known as "civil union" and thereby gain all of the rights and
benefits (and all of the obligations) that married couples have under state law.
Actions taken:
introduced on February 23, 2001; referred to Committee on Judiciary
January 7, 2002; Read second time and amended, re-referred to Committee on Judiciary
February 7, 2002; filed with Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56. Died pursuant to Art.
IV sec. 10 (c) of the Consti. Court.
Status: died in committee
Ohio
HB 234
Author: Rep. Bill
Seitz
77 South High St.
11th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
(614) 466-8258
Purpose: Would
declare specifically that same-sex marriage are against the strong public policy of
the state. Would also declare that the recognition or extension of specific benefits of
legal marriage to nonmarital relationship is against the public policy of the state; makes
other declarations regarding same sex marriages.
Last action: bill introduced on May 5, 2001;
referred to House Committee on Rules and Reference; recommended referral to House
Committee on Civil and Commercial Law
October 31, 2001 passed House referred to Senate
November 1, 2001 pending in Senate
Status: pending in Senate
Oklahoma
HB 1147
Author: Rep.
Bill Graves
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd
Room 501
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 557-7348
Purpose: Would
prohibit the state of Oklahoma from recognizing a "civil union" between persons
of the same sex. A "civil union" is defined as a relationship between
persons of the same gender which is not a legal marriage but gives the same rights,
benefits, and responsibilities as a marriage recognized in Oklahoma.
Last action: bill introduced on February 6, 2001
Status: pending in House Judiciary Committee
Texas
HB
496
Author: Rep. Warren Chisum
Room CAP GW.15
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 463-0736
Purpose:
Would prohibit the state of Texas from recognizing a "civil union" between
persons of the same sex. A "civil union" is defined as a relationship
between persons of the same gender which is not a legal marriage but gives the same
rights, benefits, and responsibilities as a marriage recognized in Oklahoma.
Actions taken:
bill referred to committee on January 31, 2001
April 30, 2001, left pending in committee
Status: pending in House Committee on State
Affairs
Vermont
HB
83
Author: Rep. Nancy Sheltra
388 Palin Farm Rd.
Derby, VT 05829.
766-5437
Purpose:
Would repeal the law enacted last year creating the new status of "civil union"
for same-sex couples and the new status of "reciprocal beneficiary" for blood
relatives, who register with the state as such, and giving certain rights and benefits to
each new status. Partners to a civil union receive virtually all benefits and
obligations of married spouses under state law. Reciprocal beneficiaries receive
certain legal protections at the time of illness or death.
Last action: bill introduced on January 18, 2001
Status: pending in House Judiciary Committee
HB 274
Author: Rep. George A. Schiavone
196 Pierson Drive.
Shelburne, VT 05482
Purpose:
Would allow judges and justices of the peace to decline to perform either a marriage
solemnization or a civil union based upon a conscientious or moral objection.
Last action: bill introduced on February 14,
2001
Status: pending in House Judiciary Committee
HB 350
Author: Rep. John Hall
95 Pine Grove Cemetery Rd.
Newport, VT 05855.
jhall@leg.state.vt.us
Purpose:
Would repeal the law enacted last year creating the new status of "civil union"
for same-sex couples and the new status of "reciprocal beneficiary" for blood
relatives, who register with the state as such.
Last action:
Bill introduced on February 27, 2001; referred to House Committee on Judiciary
Status: pending in committee
SB 208
Author: Sen.
Julius Canns
1 Cherokee Drive
Concord, VT 05824
(802) 748-4871
Purpose: Would repeal civil unions and reciprocal
beneficiaries relationships.
Last action:
bill introduced on January 8, 2002; referred to Senate Committee on Judiciary
Status: pending in committee
SB 221
Author: Sen. Richard Sears
RR # 1 Box 133
No. Bennington, VT 05257
rsears@leg.state.vt.us
Purpose:
Would permit Vermont residents to obtain a marriage license or a civil union license in
any town in Vermont, not just the town in which they reside.
Last action:
Bill introduced on January 8, 2002; referred to Senate Committee on Judiciary
Status: pending in committee
Washington
HB
1758
Author: Rep. Edward Murray
PO Box 40600
243 John L. O'Brien Bldg.
Olympia, WA 98504-0600
(360) 786-7826
murray_ed@leg.wa.gov
Purpose: Would
create a new status of "civil union" for same-sex couples who register with the
state as such. Partners to a civil union would receive virtually all benefits and
obligations of married spouses under state law.
Actions taken:
bill introduced on February 2, 2001
April 25, 2001; reintroduced and retained in present status
Jan. 14,2002; by resolution, reintroduce and reinstated to present
status
March 14, 2002, House session ended with no action taken.
Status: died in House Judiciary Committee
Domestic partners
Alabama
HB532
Author:
Rep. Scott Beason
11 S. Union St.
Room 527-C
Montgomery, AL 36130
(205) 631-4094
Purpose:
Under existing law same-sex marriage are specifically prohibited. This
bill would prohibit the expenditure of public funds for benefits payable
to same-sex couples.
Actions taken:
introduced on February 26, 2002
assigned to Committee on House and Ways General Fund.
April 4, 2002, read the second time, pending in committee
postponed indefinitely.
Status: died in committee.
California
SCA9
Author: Sen. Jackie
Speier
State Capitol Rm 2032
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 445-0503
senator.speier@sen.ca.gov
Purpose: A
resolution that proposes to the people of the State of California an amendment to the Constitution of the State relating to taxation. The amendment would
exclude the transfer between cohabitants of a personal residence from classification as a
"purchase" or "change in ownership," if the cohabitants co-owned and
resided in the personal residence for a period of 5 years before the transfer and the
transfer is made either by reason of the death of the transferor or by a transferor who
has been certified to have a terminal illness or terminal disease, as defined.
Actions taken:
introduced on February 25, 2002; referred to Committee on Revenue and
Taxation
March 13, 2002 hearing scheduled on April 24, 2002.
May 13,2002; referred to Senate Committee on Appropriations
May 21, 2002; passed third reading and assigned to Senate Committee on
Rules
May 30, 2002; read and adopted (28-5) referred to Assembly
May 30,2002; in Assembly, read the first time, held at desk
August 6, 2002; re-referred to Committee on Appropriations
August 14, 2002; placed in suspense file of the Committee on
Appropriations
Status: pending in committee.
SB1575
Author:
Senator Byron Sher
State Capitol, Room 3126
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 319-2006
Purpose: Would
amend Sec. 21351 of the Probate Code, relating to wills and trusts. This
bill would include domestic partners, as specified, and any person who
lived with the transferor of at least six months.
Actions taken:
introduced on February 25, 2002
March 11, 2002; referred to Committee on Public Employees,
Retirement and Social Security
April 8, 2002, from committee passed as amended. Sent to Senate for
second reading
May 2,2002; referred to Committee on Judiciary
August 21, 2002; Senate concurs in Assembly amendments. To enrollment.
Status: pending in committee.
AB1080
Author:
Assemblywoman Christine Kehoe
State Capitol, Room
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 319-2076
Purpose: Would
prohibit a state agency from entering into a contract for the
acquisition of goods or services with a vendor or contractor who does
not offer benefits to registered domestic partner employees equal to
benefits offered to married employees
Actions taken:
introduced on April 29, 2002, referred to Committee on Education
May 9, 2002; withdrawn from committee, referred to Committee on Rules
May 21, 2002, withdrawn from committee, referred to Committee on
Judiciary
June 10, 2002, amended and re-referred to Committee on Judiciary
June 11,2002, set second reading; hearing cancelled at the request of
the author
August 5, 2002, place on Committee Appropriations suspense file.
Status: failed in committee
AB2216
Author:
Assemblyman Fred Keeley
701 Ocean St. 318-B
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 425-1503
Purpose: Would
amend Sections 6401 and 6402 of the California Probate Code
relating to intestate succession. Under the existing law of intestate
succession, the surviving spouse is entitled to a specified share of the
decedent's separate property that is not effectively disposed of by
will. This would entitle a decedent's domestic partner to a
specified share of the decedent's separate property that is not disposed
of by will.
Actions taken:
introduced on February 20, 2002
February 28, 2002; referred to Committee on Judiciary
April 29, 2002; re-referred to Appropriations committee, scheduled
hearing on May 8, 2002.
May 13, 2002, read second time
May 15, 2002. read third time in Assembly
May 21, 2002, in Senate assigned to Committee on Rules
August 7,2002, read second time. Third reading pending in Senate
Status: pending in committee.
AB2777
Author:
Assemblyman Joe Nation
State Capitol, Room 3126
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 319-2006
Purpose: Under
the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937, any death benefits,
optional retirement allowances, or survivor's allowances accorded to a
spouse, as specified may be accorded to a domestic partner in San Mateo
county subject to county board approval. The bill would also make
these provisions applicable to Santa Barbara county subject to county
board approval.
Actions taken:
introduced on February 25, 2002
March 11, 2002; referred to Committee on Public Employees,
Retirement and Social Security
April 8, 2002, amended and re-referred to committee
May 2, 2002; passed committee, passed Assembly floor
May 16,2002; forwarded to Senate. in Committee on Rules for
assignment
May 23, 2002; referred to Senate Committee on Public Employment and
Retirement
August 6, 2002, read second time. Third reading pending in Senate.
Status: pending in committee
Hawaii
HB 2075
Author: Rep. Scott Saiki
Hawaii State Capitol Rm 426
415 South Beretania St.
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 586-8485
repsaiki@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Purpose: Would require an employer who provides
sick leave to permit an employee to use not more than 10 days per year of their accrued
and available sick leave to attend to their child, parent, spouse, or reciprocal
beneficiary with a serious health condition.
Actions taken:
introduced on January 22, 2002
January 23, 2002; pass first reading
January 29, 2002; referred to Committee on Finance and Committee on Labor and Public
Employment
February 12,2002; Committee recommends that measure be deferred.
Status: died in committee.
SB 3078
Author: Sen. Robert Bunda
Hawaii State Capitol Rm 3
415 South Beretania St.
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 586-6090
senbunda@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Purpose: Would require that a written
designation of beneficiary for earned and unpaid wages is void if the beneficiary
predeceases the employee, if employee and benefeciary divorce, if unmarried employee
subsequently marries, or if employee enters into or terminates a reciprocal
beneficiary relationship.
Actions taken:
introduced on January 25, 2002
January 31, 2002; referred to Committee on Labor and Committee on Ways and Means
February 5, 2002; bill scheduled to be heard on Committee on Labor on Feb. 8, 2002
February 15, 2002: passed by Committee on Labor with recommendation.
Referred to Ways and Means committee.
March 1, 2002; reported from Ways and means with recommendations of
passage on third reading.
March 5, 2002; reported and adopted as amended referred to House.
March 6, 2002 received from Senate.
March 7, 2002 passed first reading
March 12, 2002; referred to Committee on Labor and Committee on Finance
Status: died in committee
HB 2809
Author: Rep. Calvin Say
Hawaii State Capitol Rm 431
415 South Beretania St.
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 586-6100
repsay@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Purpose: Would require that a written
designation of beneficiary for earned and unpaid wages is void if the beneficiary
predeceases the employee, if employee and beneficiary divorce, if unmarried employee
subsequently marries, or if employee enters into or terminates a reciprocal
beneficiary relationship.
Actions taken:
introduced on January 25, 2002
January 30, 2002; referred to Committee on Labor and Public Employment and Committee
on Finance
February 5, 2002; Committee recommends that measure be deferred.
February 13,2002; reported from Committee on Labor as amended.
Recommended passage on second reading and referred to Committee on
Finance.
Status: died in committee.
Massachusetts
SB 1344
Author: Senator
Robert A. Havern
Room 513, State House
Boston, MA 02133
(617) 722-1432
RHavern@senate.state.ma.us
Purpose:
Would provide equal employment benefits for public sector employees who have domestic
partners. This is a gender neutral bill which applies to all domestic partner
regardless of whether they are same sex or opposite sex.
Actions taken:
referred to Joint Committee on Public Service on Jan. 3, 2001
referred to the Committee on Senate Ways and Means on July 5, 2001
July 31, 2001 approved by Senate Committee, House concurs
September 21, 2001, new draft from Senate of SB1344
September 25, 2001, amended and passed to be engrossed by a vote of 35 to 1. Reprinted as
amendment S2123
September 27, 2001, read by House and referred to House Ways and Means Committee
Status: reprinted as S2123
SB 1527
Author: Senator
Diane Wilkerson
Room 312-C, State House
Boston, MA 02133
(617) 722-1673
DWilkers@senate.state.ma.us
Purpose: Would provide equal employment
benefits for public sector employees who have domestic partners. This is a gender
neutral bill which applies to all domestic partner regardless of whether they are same sex
or opposite sex.
Actions taken:
referred to Joint Committee on Public Service on Jan. 3, 2001
July 24,2001, Senate extends reporting date to September 28, pending concurrence October
1, 2001 accompanied a study order, see S2127 -SJ 729
Status: pending in committee
HB 528
Author: Rep.
Frank Israel Smizik
Room 312-C, State House
Boston, MA 02133
(617) 722-1673
Purpose: Would authorize the town of Brookline to provide
domestic partner benefits to its own employees. Due to a Supreme Court decision,
municipalities must have state legislative approval before they may provide such benefits.
Actions taken:
referred to Joint Committee on Public Service on Jan. 3, 2001
July 19, 2001 Senate committee reports favorably and places it in the Orders of the Day
for the next session.
August 2, 2001 Senate read bill the second time and orders a third reading.
September 25, 2001 Senate read third time and added a title change and passed to be
engrossed -SJ 715
September 27, 2001 House read; and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling
-HJ 833
October 29, 2001; House discharged to the committee on House Rules -HJ 949
Status: pending in committee
HB 4225
Author: Rep. Alice
K. Wolf
Room 473-G, State House
Boston, MA 02133
(617) 722-2070
Rep.AliceWolf@hou.state.ma.us
Purpose:
Would authorize the city of Cambridge to provide health insurance benefits to domestic
partners of the city of Cambridge employees and the dependents of said domestic partner.
Actions taken:
introduced in June 13, 2001; referred to Joint Committee on Public Service
September 25, 2001 passed Senate on third reading referred to House.
October 29, 2001 referred by House to Committee on Rules.
Status: pending in committee
Missouri
HB 143
Author: Representative Craig
Hosmer
201West Capitol Ave.
Room 404B
Jefferson City, MO 65101
573-751-9474
Purpose: Would allow spousal maintenance
to be terminated based on cohabitation. A finding of cohabitation shall not relieve
the former spouse from the provisions of any judgment or decree or order providing for the
support of any minor children.
Actions taken:
introduced January 01, 2001; referred to House Committee on Civil and Administrative Law
on January 23, 2001.
Status: died in committee
refiled as HB1072
HB 1072
Author: Representative Craig
Hosmer
201West Capitol Ave.
Room 404B
Jefferson City, MO 65101
573-751-9474
Purpose: Would eliminate an ex-spouse's
obligation to pay maintenance if a court finds that the spouse receiving maintenance has
been continuously cohabiting with another person as sex partners for at least 24 months.
Actions taken:
introduced December 3, 2001; first reading in House.
February 20, 2002; Executive session held. No action taken.
Status: pending in House
action to be taken on August, 2002
New York
AB 4221
Author: Assemblyman
Jeffrey Dinowitz
LOB 639
Albany, NY 12248
518-455-5965
Purpose: Relates to the rights of domestic
partners, surviving spouses, either of the descendants surviving parents, any of the
descendants surviving siblings and close friends of the descendant to control the
disposition of such descendants remains in the absence of a written instrument; creates a
priority list of those persons which may have the right to control the disposition of the
descendants remains; gives domestic partners the same priority status as surviving
spouses.
Actions taken:
introduced February 08, 2001; Assembly Committee on Health
referred to Assembly Committee on Codes on June 5, 2001
January 9, 2002; referred to Committee on Health
April 23, 2002; referred to Committee on Codes
June 20, 2002 reported and referred to Committee on Rules
Status: pending in committee
AB 4302
Author: Assemblyman
Deborah J. Glick
853 Broadway
Suite 2120
New York, NY 10003
212-674-5153
Purpose: Would require that employers who
extend funeral of bereavement leave to an employee for the death of a spouse, parent or
other relative not to deny the same leave for the death of an employee's same-sex
committed partner.
Actions taken:
introduced February 08, 2001; in Committee on Governmental Operations
reintroduced January 9, 2002; in Committee on Governmental Operations
ordered to third reading on Rules
Status: pending in committee
AB 4981
Author: Assemblyman
Deborah J. Glick
853 Broadway
Suite 2120
New York, NY 10003
212-674-5153
Purpose: Would provide for the establishment
and recognition of domestic partnerships and for the termination thereof. Would
provide for the inclusion of domestic partners in health insurance coverage and protect
domestic partners and domestic partnerships from various forms of discrimination.
Actions taken:
February 20, 2001; in Committee on Judiciary
January 9, 2002; in Committee in Judiciary
Status: pending in committee
AB 7813
Author: Assemblyman
N. Nick Perry
942 Utica Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11203
(718) 385-3336
Purpose: Would require that patient hospital
admission form allow patient to designate a domestic partner with the same privileges as a
next-of-kin.
Actions taken: March 27, 2001; in Committee on
Health
Status: pending in committee
AB 9842
Author: Assemblyman Sheldon Silver
250 Broadway Ste 2307
New York, NY 10007
(212) 312-1420
Purpose: Would enact the Workers' Compensation
Act for World Trade Center volunteer rescue workers; includes certain domestic partners
within the definition of spouse for purposes of death benefits.
Actions taken: November 1, 2001; in Committee on
Labor
Status: pending in committee
AB
9555
Author: Assemblywoman
Catherine Nolan
LOB 522
Albany, NY 12248
(518) 455-4851
Purpose: Would amend the Disability Benefits
Law to include domestic partners in certain provisions and defines the term domestic
partner. The bill also adds reference to domestic partner in provisions relating to
voluntary coverage and disposition of accrued benefits upon death.
Actions taken: January 4, 2002; in Committee on
Labor
Status: pending in committee
AB
11290
Author:
Assemblywoman
Sheldon Silver
LOB 522
Albany, NY 12248
(518) 455-4851
Purpose: Would amend the
worker's compensation law, the estates, powers and trusts law and the
surrogate's court procedure act, in relation to assisting victims
of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and their families. The bill
provides essential assistance to the victims of the attack and their
families. The bill also ensures compensation to surviving domestic
partners
Actions taken:
May 5, 2002; in Ways and Means Committee
May 6, 2002; referred to Rules
May 6, 2002; substituted to
S7356
May 6, 2002; passed assembly returned to Senate
May 9, 2002; passed Senate forwarded to governor's office
May 21,2002; signed by governor
Status: passed
Washington
SB
5232
Author: Senator Dan Swecker
103 Newhouse Building; P.O. Box 40420
Olympia, WA 98504-0420
(360) 786-7638; Fax: (360) 786-1999
swecker_da@leg.wa.gov
Purpose: Would limit
benefits for state employees to the spouses and dependent children of workers. Would
reverse the decision of the Public Employee Benefits Board which granted health benefits
to same-sex partners of state employees (which the employees have to pay for). If
passed, this bill would be referred to the voters for ratification at the next general
election.
Actions taken:
January 16, 2001; referred to Senate Ways and Means Committee
April 25, 2001; reintroduced and retained in present status.
January 14, 2002; reintroduced and retained in present status.
May 20, 2002; died in committee
Status: died in committee
Wisconsin
AB
720
Author: Representative Mark Pocan
Room 418 North
State Capitol
P.O. Box 8953
Madison, WI 53708-8953
(608) 266-8570
Rep.Pocan@legis.state.wi.us
Purpose:
Would provide coverage for domestic partners under health coverage plans and long term
care insurance policies offered by group insurance board. Under current law, the group
insurance board offers health care coverage plans for state employees, local government
employees, school district employees, and annuitants under the Wisconsin retirement
system. In addition, the group insurance board currently offers long-term care
insurance policies to state employees and state annuitants.
Actions taken:
January 14, 2002; referred to Assembly Committee on Insurance
March 26, 2002 ; failed to pass committee
Status: failed in committee
Wisconsin
SB 386
Author: Senator
Fred Risser
Room 220 South
State Capitol
P.O. Box 7882
Madison, WI 53707-7882
(608) 266-1627
Purpose:
Would provide coverage for domestic partners under health coverage plans and long term
care insurance policies offered by group insurance board. Under current law, the group
insurance board offers health care coverage plans for state employees, local government
employees, school district employees, and annuitants under the Wisconsin retirement
system. In addition, the group insurance board currently offers long-term care
insurance policies to state employees and state annuitants.
Actions taken:
January 16, 2002; referred to Senate Committee on Universities, Housing, and Government
Operations
March 20, 2002; failed to pass committee
Status: failed
Joint adoptions by unmarried
adults
Massachusetts
SB 890
Author: Sen. Cynthia Stone Creem
Room 416-B
State House
Boston, MA 02133
Tel: (617) 722-1639
CCreem@senate.state.ma.us
Purpose: Would permit two unmarried adults to jointly adopt
a child.
Actions taken:
introduced January 3, 2001; referred to Committee on Judiciary.
Status: pending in committee
Health insurance coverage for unmarried dependents
Colorado
HB
1255
Author:
Rep. Steve Johnson
200 E. Colfax, Rm. 318l
Denver, CO 80203
Purpose: Would change the
definition of dependent for the purposes of health insurance coverage to
mean a spouse, an unmarried person under 24 years of age who is
financially dependent upon the parent and an unmarried person of any age
who is medically certified as disabled and financially dependent on the
parent.
Actions taken:
January 30, 2002; referred to House Committee on
Business Affairs and Labor
February 20,2002; reported favorable with amendment and forwarded to
House Committee on Appropriations.
March 15, 2002; postponed indefinitely by the House Committee on
Appropriations
Status: died in committee
New Mexico
SB 274
Author: Senator
Linda M. Lopez
State Capitol
Attn: Mail Room Dept.
Santa Fe, NM 87503
(505) 986-4737
Purpose: Would prohibit health care
coverage, offered under the Health Care Purchasing Act, that offers coverage of an
unmarried dependent person, from terminating such coverage until the person reaches the
age of 26 provided that the unmarried dependent is a full-time student at an accredited
educational institution.
Actions taken:
introduced on January 29, 2002; referred to Senate Committees Committee
Status: died in committee
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