HB 774 Summary

• Establishes "Calvin's Law," a new ethics code for persons contracted or appointed by state agencies to provide services to children, including guardians ad litem, evaluators, therapists, counselors, and social workers.

• Prohibits covered persons from providing services when concurrent conflicts of interest exist, such as serving clients with directly adverse interests or having personal/pecuniary interests that could materially limit service provision.

• Restricts covered persons from engaging in prohibited transactions with clients, including soliciting gifts, providing financial assistance, having sexual relations with involved parties, and accepting compensation from third parties without written consent.

• Requires covered persons to maintain candor before tribunals, avoid false statements or evidence, expedite services, charge reasonable fees, and maintain detailed records for use by fact finders and tribunals.

• Establishes complaint procedures with state agencies and licensing boards, allows state contracts to be voided for violations, and imposes unspecified financial penalties per violation in addition to other available remedies.