The proposed bill would amend current statutes related to child welfare by introducing new requirements for petitions to terminate parental rights or determine child dependency. Specifically, it mandates that such petitions include a notarized affidavit from the petitioner confirming full disclosure and an exchange of all relevant information held by the Department of Child Safety (DCS). This affidavit must detail the information disclosed, the dates of disclosure, and the methods of delivery for the disclosed information. Additionally, the bill modifies existing procedures by requiring the court to order DCS to file a report within six months of the dependency adjudication hearing, indicating the child's current dependency status and any changes in the allegations or information presented in the petition.

Current law allows for the filing of dependency petitions but does not require the comprehensive disclosure outlined in the bill. The bill also makes technical and conforming changes to existing statutes, ensuring that the new requirements are integrated smoothly into the current legal framework. Overall, if enacted, this legislation would enhance transparency and accountability in child welfare proceedings by ensuring that all parties have access to pertinent information before decisions are made regarding a child's welfare.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-533, 8-841, 8-844, 8-106, 8-106.01, 8-806, 13-1406, 13-1401, 8-455, 8-846, 95-608, 8-804
House Engrossed Version: 8-533, 8-841, 8-844, 8-106, 8-106.01, 8-806, 13-1406, 13-1401, 8-455, 8-846, 95-608, 8-804