HF 2403: Relating to responsibility for payment of fees relating to termination of parental rights proceedings

What it does

This bill relates to the responsibility for payment of fees relating to termination of parental rights (TPR) proceedings. The bill redefines “indigent” for the purposes of determining whether a person is financially able to pay for the cost of an attorney or a guardian ad litem in TPR proceedings.2, “indigent” means a person who has an income level at or below 100 percent of the federal poverty level, unless the court determines the person is able to pay for the cost of the attorney. Under the bill, “indigent” is defined as a person who has an income level at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty level; or a person who has an income level greater than 125 percent but at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, and the court makes a written finding that not appointing an attorney would create a substantial hardship.

House subcommittee · named January 9, 2024

• Rep. Charley Thomson (R) · charley.thomson@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Lindsay James (D) · lindsay.james@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Phil Thompson (R)

Lobbying · 1 for, 0 against

For: State Public Defender's Office

In plain words

1. January 9, 2024Filed in the House and sent to the Judiciary committee · as HSB 527
2. January 9, 2024House subcommittee named: Thomson, C., James, Thompson and P · as HSB 527
3. January 17, 2024Subcommittee recommended passing it · as HSB 527
4. February 6, 2024Approved by the House committee · as HSB 527
5. February 8, 2024Filed in the House
6. February 8, 2024Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2403 · as HSB 527
7. February 27, 2024Passed the House, 97–0
8. March 19, 2024Took the place of SF 2403 on the Senate floor (the same legislation)
9. March 19, 2024Passed the Senate, 49–0
10. April 23, 2024Sent to the Governor
11. May 1, 2024Signed into law