HB 774 Summary

• Establishes "Calvin's Law," a new chapter of ethics rules applicable to persons contracted by state agencies to work with children, including guardians ad litem, evaluators, therapists, counselors, and social workers.

• Prohibits covered persons from providing services when concurrent conflicts of interest exist, including when services would be directly adverse to another client or materially limited by personal or pecuniary interests, unless all affected parties consent in writing.

• Restricts covered persons from engaging in prohibited transactions with clients, including soliciting substantial gifts, providing financial assistance, accepting compensation from third parties without consent, and engaging in sexual relations with persons involved in a matter unless a consensual relationship pre-existed.

• Requires covered persons to provide competent services, charge reasonable fees, expedite services, maintain candor before tribunals, and keep detailed records when work product may be used by tribunals or fact finders.

• Establishes complaint procedures with state agencies and licensing boards, allows for fines per violation, and makes state contracts with violators voidable; exempts state/county employees and educators whose primary duties involve teaching or instruction.