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House passes changes to termination-of-parental-rights process after debate over counsel and court discretion
Summary
The House adopted amendments to termination-of-parental-rights procedures, adding counsel for indigent parents in some private adoption cases and clarifying prosecutorial discretion to prevent courts from ordering premature terminations. The bill passed the House 48-19 following extended questioning and concerns from the Guardian ad Litem's office about potential conflicts with federal rules.
SALT LAKE CITY — Substitute Senate Bill 203, containing amendments to Utah law on termination of parental rights and private adoptions, passed the Utah House March 7 after extended floor debate about counsel for indigent parents, federal funding constraints and the proper role of courts.
Representative McHale, the House floor sponsor, said the bill adds two principal changes: requiring indigent defense counsel in some…
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