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MS SB2018
Bill
Status
2/5/2019
Primary Sponsor
Angela Burks Hill
Click for details
AI Summary
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Amends Section 93-15-119 to require courts to afford parents the opportunity to transfer custody of a child to a person of their choice before terminating parental rights, if the chosen person passes a criminal background check and is approved by the court.
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Designates custody transfer petitions under the new provision as preference cases to expedite proceedings.
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Amends Section 43-21-609 to clarify that fictive kin may be appointed as durable legal guardians in child neglect and abuse cases when reunification and adoption are determined inappropriate.
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Requires the Department of Child Protection Services to conduct annual reviews and recertifications of durable legal relative guardianships and permits petitions to modify guardianships if material changes in circumstances occur.
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Effective July 1, 2019.
Legislative Description
Guardianship; clarify a parent's right to nominate a guardian in TPR proceedings and clarify the fictive kin disposition alternative.
Last Action
Died In Committee
2/5/2019