AL SB337

Amends Section 12-15-114 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to grant juvenile courts exclusive original jurisdiction over all termination of parental rights proceedings.

Responds to a 2013 Court of Civil Appeals decision (W.B.B. v. H.M.S.) that limited juvenile court jurisdiction over parental rights termination to cases arising from separate juvenile court proceedings involving delinquency, dependency, or supervision issues.

Declares the Legislature's original intent in enacting the Alabama Juvenile Justice Act of 2008 was for juvenile courts to exercise exclusive jurisdiction in all termination of parental rights cases.

Applies retroactively to January 1, 2009 (the effective date of the Juvenile Justice Act) to validate juvenile court orders issued during the period between January 1, 2009 and the bill's effective date.

Becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor.