HB2177 is a bill that, effective July 1, 2025, grants parents the right to request a jury trial in hearings to terminate the parent-child relationship or parental rights. The request for a jury trial must be filed in writing before or at the time of the initial termination hearing. The bill also mandates that the notice of the initial hearing must include information about the option for a jury trial. If multiple requests for a jury trial are received, the court may conduct a single jury trial for the proceeding. The jury's size and the requirement for concurrence will align with existing statutes, and the jury trial must commence within 120 days after the initial termination hearing is completed.

Additionally, the bill requires the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to review and report on the number of jury trials requested and completed, the outcomes and durations of jury trials compared to bench trials, feedback from involved parties, and any other relevant data. This report is to be submitted to the Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Secretary of State by January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-469
House Engrossed Version: 8-469