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MS SB2016
Bill
Status
2/1/2022
Primary Sponsor
Angela Burks Hill
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AI Summary
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Amends Section 93-15-119 to require courts conducting parental rights termination hearings to afford parents the opportunity to transfer custody of the child to a person of their choosing before finalizing termination.
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Allows parents to petition chancery court to transfer custody to a nominated person if that person passes a satisfactory criminal background check and the court approves them as an appropriate custodian, with such cases designated as preference cases.
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Amends Section 43-21-609 to clarify that durable legal relative guardianship can be granted to fictive kin (non-related individuals with significant family-like relationships) in neglect and abuse cases, in addition to biological relatives.
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Requires courts to find that reunification is inappropriate and that the fictive kin guardian shows full commitment to the child's care before granting durable legal relative guardianship.
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Takes effect July 1, 2022.
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
2/1/2022