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Bill

LC 500

Study counsel for children

2025 Regular Session

LC 500 would study whether minors in family court should have independent child counsel, shaping future rules and costs if revived.

(LC) Draft Died in Process
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Bill Summary · LC 500

Summary: LC 500 — Study counsel for children

Overview

LC 500, titled “Study counsel for children,” is a draft bill categorized under Family Law and Minors. The bill was introduced on October 4, 2024. Current status shows the draft died in process, with the latest legislative actions indicating it was placed on hold in November 2024 and subsequently marked as no longer active in May 2025.

Purpose and Scope (Based on the Title)

  • The bill appears to focus on studying the role or feasibility of providing counsel for children in relevant legal proceedings, likely within family law contexts such as custody, guardianship, or other matters involving minors.
  • The exact scope, definitions, and mechanisms (e.g., who would be appointed as counsel for a child, which proceedings would be covered, duration of representation, or funding) are not provided in the available information.

Provisions and Changes (Not Available in Text)

  • The actual legislative text is not provided, so specific provisions cannot be enumerated.
  • Inference from the title suggests potential components of a “study” bill could include:
    • Establishment of a study committee or panels to evaluate the need, impact, and logistics of appointing counsel for children.
    • Scope and methodology for the study (which proceedings, age ranges, standards of representation).
    • A reporting deadline and recommendations based on findings.
    • Possible authorization of funding or resources to conduct the study.
  • Note: These are common features of study bills but are not confirmed for LC 500 without the text.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: Minors involved in family law proceedings.
  • Secondary: Parents or guardians, attorneys representing children or parents, judges and court staff, child advocacy organizations, and funding or oversight bodies responsible for court services.

Procedural Timeline and Status

  • Introduced: October 4, 2024
  • Drafter Assigned: October 4, 2024
  • On Hold: November 20, 2024
  • Draft Died in Process: November 20, 2024 (status repeated) and May 22, 2025 (latest action)
  • Overall status: The bill did not advance beyond draft stage and is currently considered dead in process.

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • If revived or enacted, the bill could prompt a formal assessment of whether children should have independent counsel in certain proceedings, potentially influencing court procedures, cost allocations, and the way minors’ interests are represented.
  • Key considerations would include cost implications, training and standards for child advocates, eligibility criteria, and how counsel interactions with courts and parents would be regulated.

Next Steps / What to Watch

  • Monitor for any reintroduction or rebirth of LC 500 in future sessions.
  • If a similar bill reappears, review the full text to assess specific provisions, funding, appointment processes, and timeline for implementation.

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

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