Right to Representation Act

This bill would require states that receive federal foster care funding under the Social Security Act to guarantee lawyers in court cases involving claims of child abuse or neglect, including dependency, adoption, guardianship, and termination of parental rights cases. States would have to make an attorney available to each parent or guardian in the case. States would also have to provide an attorney to each child who is alleged or found to have been abused or neglected. The requirement would start October 1, 2026, with a delay allowed if a state needs to pass new laws first. The Government Accountability Office would report to Congress every 2 years on how the requirement is being carried out.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Mary Gay Scanlon Democrat sponsor
• 0 cosponsors