Bill

Bill > SSB3076


IA SSB3076

IA SSB3076
A 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.(See SF 2370.)


summary

Introduced
01/27/2026
In Committee
01/27/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
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 set to expire in June 2025, this bill transforms it into an ongoing program that the SPD can manage statewide, potentially appointing attorneys to represent indigent individuals even before formal court proceedings begin if deemed beneficial for the project's goals, and allows the SPD to create rules for its operation.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (0)

No sponsors listed

Other Sponsors (1)

Judiciary (Senate)

Last Action

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 2370. (on 02/17/2026)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...