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NY A09613
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/21/2026
Primary Sponsor
Yudelka Tapia
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AI Summary
- Removes the prior termination of a sibling's parental rights as an automatic trigger for denying reunification efforts, requiring courts to evaluate each case individually
- Establishes that termination of parental rights requires clear and convincing evidence it serves the child's best interests, with courts required to consider permanency, family connections, and likelihood of adoption
- Mandates courts consider and eliminate less drastic alternatives before terminating parental rights, including custody or guardianship with relatives or other suitable persons
- Expands requirements for agencies to make "affirmative, repeated, and meaningful" efforts to strengthen parent-child relationships, including assistance with housing, employment, counseling, and facilitating visitation
- Adds new compelling reasons not to file termination petitions, including when no adoptive parent has been identified or when guardianship has not been discussed with caregivers as an alternative
Legislative Description
Relates to protecting family relationships to ensure that family ties are not severed unnecessarily or counter to children's best interests.
Last Action
print number 9613a
1/30/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary1/21/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available