MS HB1375

Expands the definition of "neglected child" to include children prenatally exposed to controlled substances when exposure was not the result of medical treatment.

Adds circumstances allowing courts to bypass "reasonable efforts" requirement to maintain children in their homes, including cases where children under six months were exposed to drugs and the biological mother had prior children removed for substance exposure or had been removed on at least two previous occasions for abuse or neglect.

Requires petitions in youth court proceedings to identify whether evidence exists that circumstances warrant bypassing efforts to maintain the child in the home.

Modifies disposition hearing procedures to include relevant testimony and recommendations from foster parents, grandparents, guardians ad litem, and private care agency representatives when determining placement for abused or neglected children.

Takes effect July 1, 2020.