Committee backs clarifying changes to parental representation program funding and duties

Senator Harper presented SB 185 to the House Judiciary Committee as a short substitute that clarifies the duties and structure of the child-welfare parental representation program.

Harper said the substitute clarifies what parental-representation providers should do and how contracts should be structured. In response to Representative Box’s question about funding, Harper confirmed the program remains subject to appropriation and explained the bill bases contract amounts on the amount expended in the prior year to avoid speculative over-commitment: “So they based their contracts on what they have right now rather than saying, ‘oh, we think we're gonna get more,’” Harper said, arguing the approach is more fiscally responsible.

Representative Acton, who moved to favorably recommend the bill, framed parental representation as a critical safeguard when parental rights are at stake and urged support, saying the program requires careful balancing because it relates to loss of liberty and parental rights.

The committee conducted a roll-call vote and the motion to favorably recommend SB 185 passed unanimously. The bill will move to the House floor for further consideration.