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Minutes for HB2027 - Committee on Judiciary

Short Title

Creating a procedure to prevent distribution of a decedent's assets to a person charged with the felonious killing of the decedent until criminal proceedings are completed.

Minutes Content for Tue, Jan 17, 2023

Chairperson Patton changed the order of hearings by opening the hearing on HB2027 first. (Attachment 1) Natalie Scott reviewed the bill and answered questions from the membership.

Proponent

Jeremiah Schumacher (Attachment 2)  introduced himself as the individual behind the bill because he is the son of a woman who was murdered by his father. After he was charged, he watched his father deplete his mother's portion of the estate. Mr. Schumacher explained he witnessed first had 40 years of violence and said he knew if his father wasn't stopped that this mother was going to be murdered. He became afraid after his father was arrested and then release on bail. Mr.Schumacher sought an attorney who froze the remainder of the estate. He is in support of any legislation that would prevent this happening to other families. He asked for the committees support of HB2027.

Susan M. Rohr (Attachment 3) is the sister of the murdered woman. She is also a licensed social worker. Ms.Rohr provided a written time line stretching over 8 years where efforts were made with her sister (the deceased) to help her deal with the abusive relationship. Ms. Rohr also witnessed the depletion of her estate prior to Mr. Schumacher having it frozen. She testified in support of HB2027.

Written Proponent

James Houston Bales, Public Defender, on behalf of State Board Indigent Defense Services Legislative Committee (Attachment 4)

Chairperson Patton closed the hearing on HB2027.