Ground for termination of parental rights-guardianship.
AN ACT relating to children; providing that a guardianship with a relative and a finding of unfitness may be a ground for the termination of parental rights as specified; and providing for an effective date.
This bill changes the rules around ending parental rights and establishing guardianship for children. Specifically, it allows guardianship by a relative, combined with a finding that the parent is unfit, to be grounds for terminating parental rights. This change aims to provide more options for placing children with relatives in suitable situations.
The bill would affect parents and children involved in guardianship and parental rights cases. For parents deemed unfit, it means their rights could be terminated if a relative is appointed as the guardian. For children, it could mean more stable placements with relatives if deemed appropriate.
As of March 13, 2025, the bill has been passed by both the Senate and House and signed into law by the Governor. The bill received support from a bipartisan group of sponsors and was signed into law on March 13, 2025.