SF 2350: 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.

Senate subcommittee · named February 20, 2024

• Sen. David D. Rowley (R) · david.rowley@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Janet Petersen (D) · janet.petersen@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Annette Sweeney (R) · annette.sweeney@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 1 for, 0 against

For: State Public Defender's Office

In plain words

1. February 14, 2024Filed in the Senate
2. February 14, 2024Approved by the Senate committee
3. February 15, 2024Sent to the Senate Ways and Means committee
4. February 20, 2024Senate subcommittee named: Rowley, Petersen and Sweeney
5. March 6, 2024Subcommittee recommended passing it
6. March 7, 2024Approved by the Senate committee, and given a new number: SF 2403