ND HB1034

Creates a new legal process allowing genetic parents whose parental rights were terminated to petition for re-establishment of those rights if the child remains in foster care at least 12 months after termination and has not been adopted

Requires petitioners to demonstrate the parent has corrected the conditions that led to termination, is capable of providing day-to-day care, and that reunification serves the child's best interests, with approval from both the state's attorney and responsible custodian

Prohibits re-establishment petitions when parental rights were terminated due to sexual abuse or conviction for intentional conduct causing substantial bodily injury or death of a minor

Mandates court-appointed counsel for children in proceedings and a guardian ad litem to advocate for the child's best interests, with indigent genetic parents also entitled to appointed counsel

Passed unanimously in both chambers (House 91-0, Senate 45-0) and grants juvenile courts exclusive jurisdiction over these proceedings