Senate Bill 292: Adopts the Uniform Representation of Children in Abuse, Neglect, and Custody Proceedings Act

Author:
Senator Terry Care (D)

Summary:
Senate Bill 292 adopts the Uniform Representation of Children in Abuse, Neglect, and Custody Proceedings Act, which introduces appointment of a best interests advocate, a best interests attorney, and a child’s attorney in custody and abuse and neglect proceedings. Of primary concern is that the bill requires the court to appoint a best interests attorney or a child’s attorney to represent a child in all abuse and neglect proceedings (see Sec. 35.). This requirement both takes away the judge’s ability to exercise discretion based on specific circumstances and is costly to taxpayers.

If the bill passes, it appears that a minimum of one attorney will be appointed for each abuse and neglect situation. It is possible that an additional attorney will also be appointed in each case to represent the best interests of the child, which is very costly to Nevada taxpayers at a time when they cannot afford it.

These additional attorney appointment requirements could potentially cause more discrimination against homeschoolers in abuse and neglect situations.

Status:

3/16/2009		(Senate) Read first time; Referred to Committee on Health and Education
4/13/2009		(Senate) From committee: Do pass
4/14/2009		(Senate) Read second time
4/21/2009		(Senate) Read third time; Passed; Title approved (Yes: 12, No: 9) To Assembly
4/22/2009		(Assembly) In Assembly; Read first time; Referred to Committee on Judiciary
5/16/2009		Bill died

HSLDA’s Position:
Oppose.

Action Requested:
None at this time.

Other Resources

Bill Text   (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)