Miya’s law clears first house committee

A bill named in honor of, Miya Rudd, the Ohio County baby found dead in her parents’ home last summer, has moved one step closer to becoming a law.

The Committee of Families and Children reported favorably on House Bill 574, known as Miya’s Law, on Feb. 20.

The law would require anyone with reasonable knowledge of a child born to parents who have other children in the custody of the state or an ongoing dependency, abuse or neglect case, to report that information to law enforcement. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services would be required to investigate each notification.

The bill was sponsored by Rep. Myron Dossett, of Pembroke, and Rep. Scott Lewis, of Hartford.

The bill had its first reading on Feb. 20 and was placed on the calendar. The bill received its second reading Feb. 21 and was recommitted to the Appropriations & Revenue Committee.

To become a law, a bill must have three readings. When a committee reports a bill favorably, the bill has its first reading and is placed on the calendar for the following day. On the second reading, the bill is sent to the Rules Committee. The Rules Committee may send it back to a committee or place it in the Orders of the Day for consideration. Finally, the bill is read for the third time with a motion to pass, floor debate if necessary, and then a vote. If it is passed, it moves to the next chamber where it goes through the same procedure. Once passed by both chambers, the bill is sent to the governor. The governor can choose to sign it, allow it to become law without signing it or veto it.

Miya’s remains were found concealed inside of her parents’ residence in Horse Branch on June 15 after a family member reported her missing on June 5. Her parents, Tesla Tucker and Cage Rudd, along with her grandfather Ricky Smith and Brodie Payne were indicted on murder and felony abuse of a child in January.