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Bill > HSB566
IA HSB566
IA HSB566A bill for an act establishing the state public defender's pilot project to implement innovative models of child welfare legal representation as the project to preserve families.
summary
Introduced
01/15/2026
01/15/2026
In Committee
01/15/2026
01/15/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/03/2026
05/03/2026
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
Under current law, the state public defender (SPD) may establish a pilot project to implement innovative models of legal representation to assist families involved in the child welfare system by implementing and studying ways to achieve positive outcomes for families, reduce trauma to young children, and deliver financial benefits to families and their communities. The SPD may implement the pilot project in up to 16 counties throughout the state, and the pilot project expires on June 30, 2025. This bill changes the pilot project into a permanent program known as the project to preserve families (PPF) and allows the SPD to administer and maintain the PPF throughout the state. The SPD may adopt rules to administer the PPF.
AI Summary
This Study Bill permanently establishes the "project to preserve families" (PPF), administered by the state public defender (SPD), to provide innovative legal representation for families involved in the child welfare system, aiming to keep families together, minimize trauma for children, and offer financial advantages. Previously a pilot project operating in a limited number of counties and set to expire, this bill transforms it into a statewide, ongoing program, allowing the SPD to adopt necessary rules for its administration, coordinate with other entities, seek funding, and even appoint legal representation for indigent individuals before formal court proceedings begin if deemed beneficial for the project's goals.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Judiciary (House)
Last Action
Committee vote: Yeas, 19. Nays, 0. Excused, 2. H.J. 160. (on 01/26/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location | Created |
|---|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HSB566 | 01/15/2026 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HSB566.html | 01/15/2026 |
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