HB 453 Summary

• Allows minors age 16 and older to petition the family court for emancipation based on demonstrated independent capabilities in care, custody, control, and earnings.

• Requires court to appoint a guardian ad litem and client-directed legal counsel for the minor, provide informational materials about emancipation rights and alternatives, and notify parents or legal guardians of the petition.

• Court may grant emancipation by clear and convincing evidence if the minor is on active military duty or willingly resides separately, understands the consequences, is self-supporting or capable of self-support, and emancipation is in the minor's best interest.

• Emancipated minors gain adult rights including contract enforcement, property management, medical decision-making, tax filing, and estate planning, except for age-restricted activities like voting and alcohol consumption.

• Requires court to stay emancipation proceedings if the minor has an active child protective case under Chapter 587A and allows parents to be ordered to pay court-ordered services related to the petition.