HB 326 Summary

• Establishes a parent's right to a jury trial in hearings on petitions to terminate parental rights under Alaska law.

• Requires parents be given notice of their right to a jury trial and the opportunity to waive that right before termination hearings.

• When a jury trial is requested in consolidated adjudication and termination hearings, the jury decides only the termination question after the court has adjudicated that the child is in need of aid.

• Modifies termination standards to allow either the court or jury to make findings by clear and convincing evidence regarding grounds for termination and best interests of the child.

• Applies to trials on termination petitions filed on or after the effective date of the Act; does not require a two-thirds constitutional vote since it establishes a substantive right.