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House passes HB 1772 to encourage attorney participation in foster-care cases
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Summary
The House unanimously moved HB 1772 to third reading and passed it to increase attorney engagement in foster-care cases, with sponsors saying the bill reduces paperwork and delay to help children secure permanent homes (vote 121–18).
The Missouri House gave third reading and passage to House Bill 1772, legislation supporters said will help speed adoptions and reduce time children spend in foster care by encouraging more attorneys to represent children. Representative from Jefferson County, the bill sponsor, described the bill as a targeted measure to reduce paperwork and encourage lawyers to take foster-care cases; members from both sides praised the measure as a way to reduce backlog and get children into permanent homes.
Supporters described practical barriers—an average of roughly 20 hours of paperwork per case and long delays that leave children moved between placements—and said the bill aims to reduce those obstacles. Lawmakers with prior experience in adoption and child welfare spoke in favor, noting shortages of attorneys and children’s division staffing that contribute to delays. The bill passed on third reading with a roll-call vote of 121 yeas to 18 nays.
Sponsor remarks credited work by attorneys and nonprofit partners (Catholic and Lutheran charities, among others) and thanked stakeholders who contributed to the bill’s drafting. The bill will proceed to the Senate or the next procedural step for further consideration.
