ID H0692

Creates new Section 16-1613A establishing detailed rules for who may attend child protection hearings, requiring courts to state reasoning on the record when admitting or excluding non-parties.

Grants children subject to child protection proceedings the right to participate and personally attend every hearing, unless the court finds attendance unsafe or inappropriate.

Establishes a rebuttable presumption favoring admission of support persons, relatives, fictive kin, foster parents, state legislators, treatment providers, and relevant agency staff to hearings.

Establishes a rebuttable presumption that all other persons shall not be admitted, with courts required to consider factors including the child's best interests, safety concerns, and potential harm to criminal investigations.

Declares an emergency with effective date of July 1, 2026.