Bill > SB43

This bill makes comprehensive changes to various provisions related to child welfare, legal representation, and criminal justice in Missouri. The most significant provisions include: expanding legal representation for children in foster care and juvenile court proceedings by requiring counsel for children aged 14 to 18 beginning in 2028; modifying the Safe Place for Newborns Act by extending the age limit for surrendering an infant from 45 to 90 days; creating a new Child and Family Legal Representation Coordinating Commission to improve legal representation for children and families; updating hazing laws with more comprehensive definitions and protections; changing various criminal statutes related to age of consent and child protection, including raising the age for certain offenses from 14 to 17 or 18; and establishing new funds and mechanisms for supporting child welfare services and victims' compensation. The bill also includes technical updates to tax credits, court procedures, and administrative processes related to child protection and juvenile justice. These changes aim to enhance child safety, improve legal representation, and modernize Missouri's approach to protecting vulnerable persons, particularly children and youth.