HB 200 Summary

• Establishes procedures allowing individuals to file petitions or proxies for adoption or legal guardianship of children in state custody under AS 47.10, with proceedings heard as part of child-in-need-of-aid cases.

• Permits petitions or proxies to be filed in either the court where child-in-need-of-aid proceedings are pending or the petitioner's judicial district with notice to all parties.

• Creates a "proxy for a formal petition" mechanism for extended family members, tribe members, and Indian family members seeking immediate permanent placement, which preserves placement preferences under the Indian Child Welfare Act (25 U.S.C. 1915).

• Establishes venue rules and filing requirements for adoption and guardianship cases involving children in state custody, with petitions held in abeyance until adoption or guardianship is approved as the permanent plan.

• Takes effect January 1, 2017, with amendments to Alaska Adoption Rules and Child in Need of Aid Rules of Procedure, and requires two-thirds legislative majority for court rule amendments.