Bill > HB1335

This bill modifies Mississippi law regarding legal representation for children in involuntary termination of parental rights proceedings by removing the requirement that the court must appoint an attorney for an unrepresented minor child. Currently, the law mandates that if a minor child is unrepresented, the court must appoint an attorney to ensure the child's interests are known. The proposed change eliminates this mandatory attorney appointment, while still maintaining other important protections for the child. Specifically, the bill preserves the requirement that a guardian ad litem (a court-appointed representative who advocates for the child's best interests) must be appointed, and it continues to mandate that if the child is 12 years or older, they must be represented by counsel throughout the proceedings. If the child is 14 years or older, their preferences regarding the termination of parental rights will still be considered by the court. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to potentially reduce legal costs and streamline the process for termination of parental rights proceedings while maintaining safeguards for the child's welfare.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB1335.xml