WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2369

Relating to loss of parental rights after a third petition for a child’s removal

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Clark and 5 co-sponsors

HB 2369 limits parental improvement periods in abuse cases, expediting termination of rights to protect children in foster care from prolonged uncertainty and harm.

Markup Discussion
#juveniles
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2369

Summary of HB 2369: Relating to Loss of Parental Rights After a Third Petition for a Child’s Removal

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: HB 2369
- Title: Relating to loss of parental rights after a third petition for a child’s removal
- Status: Markup Discussion
- Introduced: January 31, 2025
- Classification: Bill
- Subject: Juveniles

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2369 aims to amend existing laws regarding the termination of parental rights in cases of child abuse and neglect. Specifically, it seeks to establish a framework that limits the number of improvement periods a parent can have per child in abuse and neglect proceedings. The intent is to expedite the process of terminating parental rights when necessary, thereby prioritizing the welfare of children who have been subjected to abuse or neglect.

Key Provisions

  • Limitation on Improvement Periods: The bill proposes to limit the number of improvement periods a parent may request for a child involved in abuse and neglect proceedings. This aims to prevent prolonged uncertainty for the child and expedite the resolution of cases.

  • Criteria for Termination of Parental Rights: The bill outlines specific circumstances under which the Department of Health and Human Services must file for termination of parental rights, including:

    • If a child has been in foster care for 15 of the most recent 22 months.
    • If the court has determined that the child is abandoned, tortured, or sexually abused.
    • If a parent has failed to successfully complete the final improvement period granted in the proceedings.

  • Judicial Oversight: The bill mandates that courts must review improvement periods and ensure that parents demonstrate a likelihood of participating fully in any granted improvement period.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Parents: The bill directly impacts parents involved in abuse and neglect proceedings, particularly those who have previously been granted improvement periods.
  • Children: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are children in foster care or those subjected to abuse and neglect, as it aims to expedite the process of securing stable and safe living conditions for them.
  • Department of Health and Human Services: The department will have increased responsibilities in terms of filing petitions and ensuring compliance with the new provisions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced Date: January 31, 2025

  • Markup Discussions: Ongoing discussions have taken place, with significant dates including:

    • February 4, 2025: First reading and referral to the Rules Committee.
    • February 25, 2025: Assigned to the Appropriations-Health and Human Services Committee.
    • March 6, 2025: Markup discussion held.

  • Implementation Timeline: If passed, the bill will require the Department to implement the changes and ensure compliance with the new provisions, although specific timelines for implementation are not detailed in the bill text.

Conclusion

HB 2369 represents a significant shift in how parental rights are handled in cases of child abuse and neglect. By limiting the number of improvement periods, the bill seeks to protect the welfare of children and streamline judicial processes. Stakeholders, including parents, children, and the Department of Health and Human Services, will need to adapt to these changes if the bill is enacted.

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

Sign in to ask a question.