Bill considers parental rights in child manslaughter cases

Rep. John Burt is sponsoring a 2017 bill that would require the state to terminate an individual’s parental rights if he or she is convicted of the murder or manslaughter of another family member. 

Under current state law, the state may choose not to terminate parental rights in those cases, if the state determines it is in the best interests of the child. 

Rep. Katherine Prudhomme-O’Brien sponsored a similar bill in 2016 on behalf of Christopher Smart.  Smart’s grand-niece was sent to foster care while her mother, Unique Gould, serves a sentence for the beating death of her son.  The state has not terminated parental rights.  As of last May, Gould was still incarcerated but seeking unsupervised visits with family members, including her daughter. 

The 2016 bill passed the House, but the Senate voted to study the bill further due to concerns about a one-size fits all approach to the issue.

Sen. David Pierce testified, “We do not believe someone who has paid his or her dues to society should continue to be penalized.”

Do you think the state should have to terminate parental rights if a parent is convicted of the murder or manslaughter of another family member?  Share your opinion in the comments.