HB1624 Summary

• Allows dependency-neglect attorneys ad litem employed by or contracting with the Administrative Office of the Courts to file ex parte emergency relief petitions, expanding who can initiate these proceedings.

• Requires single petitions for all siblings in dependency-neglect cases and mandates petition contents include sibling information and parents/guardians of siblings to improve sibling coordination.

• Establishes sibling placement rights including presumption to live together, regular visitation at least weekly when separated, and court review every 90 days to assess separation necessity.

• Grants attorneys ad litem and court-appointed special advocates access to all relevant records including school records, medical records, court records, and Department of Human Services records to support child representation.

• Requires courts to assess noncustodial parent fitness for custody and placement, direct filing of prior contact information in petitions, and appointment of parent counsel for minor parents in dependency-neglect proceedings.