Bill > AB651

This bill expands the rights of incarcerated parents and nonminor dependents in juvenile court dependency proceedings by requiring additional notice and opportunities for participation. Specifically, the bill mandates that incarcerated parents receive notice and the opportunity to be physically present in additional dependency hearings related to their child, including hearings under Sections 361, 366.21, 366.22, 366.25, and 388 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. If an incarcerated parent cannot be physically present, they must be given the opportunity to participate via videoconference, and if that is not available, via teleconference. The bill also extends existing provisions about court hearings to nonminor dependents, ensuring that they have the right to be present, be represented by counsel, be informed of their right to address the court, and have hearings continued if they were not properly notified or given an opportunity to attend. Additionally, the bill maintains the intent to preserve prisoners' job opportunities and earned privileges while participating in these proceedings. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill creates state-mandated local program costs, local agencies will be reimbursed according to existing statutory procedures.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB651