Bill > A08272

This bill provides expanded legal representation rights for adults involved in child protective services investigations and family court proceedings by modifying existing laws. The bill replaces the term "indigent" with "financially unable to obtain counsel" and establishes a more comprehensive framework for legal representation. Under the new provisions, adults who are subjects of child protective services investigations will have the right to counsel before court proceedings begin, and courts must inform these individuals of their right to legal representation. The bill requires that if a person appears in court without an attorney, they must be informed about their right to counsel, including publicly funded representation if they cannot afford a lawyer. The legal representation continues through various stages of proceedings, including disposition orders, adjournments, permanency hearings, and related supplemental proceedings. Additionally, the bill allows attorneys representing children or adults to access records from the statewide registry of child abuse and maltreatment under specific circumstances, such as determining potential conflicts of interest or preparing for initial proceedings. The chief administrator of the courts will establish rules for determining financial eligibility for assigned counsel, and attorneys will be eligible for compensation for services provided before and after petition filing. The law will take effect 90 days after becoming law.

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https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8272