SB23-039 Summary

• Establishes rules requiring the Department of Corrections to facilitate communication and family time between incarcerated parents and children in state facilities, private correctional facilities, and jails.

• Mandates courts appoint counsel for incarcerated respondents in dependency and neglect cases and issue writs ensuring their personal or remote attendance at all hearings.

• Requires caseworkers to involve incarcerated parents in service planning for children, including facilitating meaningful family time and virtual participation in meetings and school conferences.

• Repeals automatic termination of parental rights based solely on long-term incarceration, instead requiring courts to consider whether meaningful parent-child relationships exist and whether permanent placements can maintain contact.

• Appropriates $31,110 to the Department of Corrections, $15,111 to the Department of Human Services, and $7,425 to the Judicial Department for implementation beginning January 1, 2024.