HB19-1042 Summary

• Expands the definition of "minor" from individuals under 18 to unmarried individuals under 21 for purposes of guardianship appointments and parental responsibility allocations when seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status under federal law.

• Allows courts to appoint guardians and determine parental reunification for unmarried individuals under 21 who are residing with and dependent upon a caregiver and request court findings for SIJ classification eligibility.

• Requires courts to enter orders with factual findings determining that reunification with parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or similar grounds and that return to the minor's previous country is not in their best interests.

• Extends guardianship appointments under these provisions until age 21 rather than terminating at age 18 when a minor reaches majority.

• Grants juvenile courts jurisdiction to enter SIJ eligibility findings and orders for unmarked individuals under 21 in custody or guardianship cases.