The proposed bill would introduce a Child and Family Representation Program within the Administrative Office of the Courts to improve legal representation for juveniles, parents, and guardians in juvenile court. It mandates the Supreme Court to hire necessary personnel, assess attorney training, recommend practice standards, and report on the program's effectiveness. Additionally, it would prohibit judicial officers from receiving salary increases through FY 2028 and repeal this prohibition on July 1, 2028. Moreover, the bill establishes an Erroneous Conviction Procedure effective January 1, 2026, allowing wrongfully convicted individuals to seek compensation from the state, supported by the Erroneous Convictions Fund. It outlines compensation structures, mental health treatment, educational opportunities, and ensures that awarded compensation is not considered gross income for tax purposes. The bill also mandates expungement of records related to erroneous convictions, requiring courts to issue expungement orders and ensuring that various agencies seal and destroy related records, while addressing victim compensation for mental health treatment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 12-102.05, 12-299.16, 13-2314.01, 31-227, 41-2409, 8-221, 35-190, 13-2301, 13-2312, 13-2314.03, 13-4315, 41-196, 13-4301, 41-1278
House Engrossed Version: 12-102.05, 12-299.16, 12-751.01, 13-2314.01, 31-227, 41-1234, 41-2404, 41-2409, 8-221, 12-751, 35-190, 13-2301, 13-2312, 13-2314.03, 13-4315, 41-196, 13-4301, 41-1278, 13-3821, 41-622, 13-610, 13-4033, 13-4401, 41-2407, 41-1231