AK HB351

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 the right to a jury trial and the opportunity to waive that right before the hearing is held.

When a child-in-need-of-aid adjudication hearing is consolidated with a termination hearing, the jury trial right applies only to the termination phase after the court has adjudicated the child's status.

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

Applies to trials on termination petitions filed on or after the bill's effective date.