The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 40 authored by Sen. Bohacek on representation of caregiver in CHINS cases. The bill provides that an unlicensed caregiver is entitled to representation by counsel in a child in need of services (CHINS) proceeding under certain circumstances. The bill was amended by consent to establish a pilot program for this purpose in LaPorte County, Marshall County, and Starke County.
Judge Faith Graham on behalf of the Indiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges testified in opposition to the bill. The Public Defender Commission testified about the fiscal impact of the amendment. The amended bill passed 11-0 and will be recommitted to Senate Appropriations.
Read the bill at https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2024/bills/senate/40