House Bill 16-1316 Summary

• A child placed in county department custody is deemed to reside in the county where their legal parent or guardian resides, regardless of physical location in a foster care or residential facility in another county.

• Courts cannot transfer venue to another county during out-of-home placement unless specific circumstances exist, including that transfer would not harm the child's best interests and adjudication has not occurred.

• Venue transfer is prohibited if the legal parent or guardian has a history of frequent moves, unless they can demonstrate stability in their current residence (such as a lease for six or more months).

• The requesting county attorney must immediately notify the proposed receiving county of any venue change motion and provide 14 days written notice of the hearing, allowing the receiving county to file responsive pleadings.

• The act takes effect August 10, 2016, subject to potential referendum petition procedures.