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LC 485

Allowing acceptance of grants for counsel for children

2025 Regular Session

LC 485 - Allowing acceptance of grants for counsel for children OverviewBill Number: LC 485 Title: Allowing acceptance of grants for counsel for children Status: (LC) Draft Died

(LC) Draft Died in Process
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Bill Summary · LC 485

LC 485 - Allowing acceptance of grants for counsel for children

Overview

Bill Number: LC 485
Title: Allowing acceptance of grants for counsel for children
Status: (LC) Draft Died in Process
Introduced: October 04, 2024

Purpose and Intent

The purpose of this bill is to authorize the state to accept grants and donations to provide legal counsel for children involved in child welfare proceedings. The intent is to ensure that all children have access to legal representation, which research has shown can improve outcomes and protect the rights of minors in the child welfare system.

Key Provisions

  • Allows the state to accept grants, donations, and other funding from private and public sources to establish and maintain a program providing legal counsel for children in child welfare cases
  • Requires the state to develop guidelines and procedures for administering the grant-funded legal counsel program
  • Mandates that children be appointed legal counsel at all stages of child welfare proceedings, including abuse, neglect, and termination of parental rights cases
  • Specifies that the legal counsel must be independent from the child welfare agency and act solely to protect the child's best interests

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Children involved in child welfare proceedings would benefit from having independent legal representation to advocate for their rights and interests
  • The state child welfare agency would be required to coordinate with the legal counsel program and ensure children receive the mandated representation
  • Private and public grant-making organizations could provide funding to support the legal counsel program and improve access to justice for vulnerable children

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

This bill was introduced in the state legislature on October 4, 2024 but did not advance past the initial drafting stage. It died in the legislative process without being formally considered or voted on by lawmakers. As an unenacted draft, there are no further procedural steps or timeline for this specific bill. However, the concept of providing state-funded legal counsel for children in child welfare cases may be reintroduced in future legislative sessions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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