The bill amends the Probate Code of 1939, specifically section 19b of chapter XIIA, to clarify the procedures and requirements for terminating parental rights in cases where a child remains in foster care or under the custody of a guardian. It stipulates that a hearing must be held to determine if parental rights should be terminated, with the court required to issue an opinion or order within 70 days of the initial hearing. The bill also mandates that written notice of the hearing must be served to various parties, including the agency, the child's foster parent, and the child's parents, among others.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific grounds for termination of parental rights, including instances of abandonment, abuse, neglect, and failure to comply with guardianship plans. It introduces new legal language that emphasizes the court's discretion in determining the best interests of the child and the necessity of clear and convincing evidence for termination. Notably, the bill includes provisions for cases where a parent has been convicted of certain crimes, indicating that such convictions may warrant termination of parental rights if they are deemed harmful to the child.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 712A.19