HB323 Summary

• Eliminates the requirement that a parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian must be living and provide written consent before a kinship guardian can be appointed by juvenile court.

• Removes the requirement for written consent from a parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian before a successor guardian can be appointed, unless parental rights have been terminated or restricted by prior court order.

• Allows kinship guardianship appointments when a child has resided with the caregiver for six months or more and the parent or custodian is unwilling or unable to provide adequate care, or extraordinary circumstances exist.

• Establishes that kinship guardians have parental-level rights and responsibilities for the child, including medical, educational, and activity decisions, though parents retain authority over adoption and name changes.

• Takes effect on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.