HB96 Summary

• Requires juvenile courts to consider a child's relationship with current foster parents and the child's best interests when deciding whether to terminate parental rights.

• Adds factor (13) to parental rights termination considerations: significant emotional ties developed between child and current foster parent(s), including length of time in stable environment and whether severing ties contradicts child's best interest.

• Prohibits juvenile courts from requiring consideration of relatives as legal guardian candidates if the relative did not attempt to care for or obtain custody of the child within four months of removal and the permanency plan goal is adoption by current foster parents.

• Eliminates requirement to serve notice of adoption proceedings on individuals whose parental rights have been terminated pursuant to Section 12-15-319.

• Takes effect immediately upon Governor's approval or upon otherwise becoming law.