AL HB129

Amends Section 12-15-305 of the Alabama Code to establish specific requirements for determining indigency in juvenile dependency cases, requiring applicants to submit an affidavit of substantial hardship disclosing all assets and property.

Limits court-appointed counsel eligibility for petitioners (biological parents or former custodial guardians) whose parental rights have been previously terminated; eligibility ceases if the court upholds the existing custody arrangement or again denies custody or visitation.

Establishes that indigency requires income at or below 125 percent of the United States poverty level as defined by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Permits petitioners and respondents to retain assets including one homestead and one vehicle with equity value of $5,000 or less without disqualifying them from indigency status; total equity in other assets cannot exceed $2,500.

Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.