AB 2060 Summary

• Court must prioritize appointing a relative, nonrelative extended family member, or other adult known to the child as an educational representative before appointing an unknown surrogate in dependency and wardship proceedings.

• Appointed educational representatives or surrogate parents must meet with the child, investigate whether educational needs are being met, and present recommendations to the court or attend hearings concerning the child's education.

• Applies to Section 319 (initial petition hearings), Section 361 (disposition hearings in dependency cases), and Section 726 (wardship cases) of the Welfare and Institutions Code.

• Requires courts to determine whether a responsible adult known to the child is available before appointing a surrogate parent for special education matters.

• Establishes that local agencies and school districts may seek reimbursement for state-mandated costs related to surrogate parent appointment and performance under the Commission on State Mandates process.