The bill amends the Probate Code of 1939, specifically section 2 of chapter XIIA, to clarify the authority and jurisdiction of the court over juveniles under 18 years of age. Key insertions include the specification that the court has exclusive original jurisdiction over juveniles found within the county who have violated municipal ordinances or laws, and it expands the definition of jurisdiction to include cases where a juvenile has deserted their home, is disobedient to lawful commands, or is repeatedly absent from school. Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions regarding the court's authority to intervene in cases of neglect, abandonment, or when a juvenile is in danger of substantial harm.

The bill also includes several deletions to refine the language regarding the responsibilities of parents and guardians, replacing gender-specific terms with gender-neutral language. Notably, it adds a new provision that allows the court to have jurisdiction over cases where a parent or responsible person has lost custody of the juvenile, and a petition is filed to terminate parental rights. Furthermore, the bill extends the court's jurisdiction to include juveniles aged 24 years and under in certain circumstances, thereby broadening the scope of the court's authority in juvenile matters.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 712A.2