SB 5365 would amend current statute to state that it is a right of a dependent child to be represented by counsel or have counsel appointed to them by the court. The bill then requires the court to appoint an attorney to a dependent child prior to the shelter care hearing. Additionally, this bill would change language to include the child and child’s counsel in the court process.
Status Summary
Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Human Services, Mental Health & Housing on Jan 30th at 1:30 PM, but never came up for a vote. This bill did not move out of its committee before the Policy Committee Cutoff date. (See Companion Bill: HB 1251)