Civil RTC News

This page lists all of the most recent developments on civil right to counsel across the country. These could be newly created rights to counsel, significant publications, public events, advocacy efforts, or other things that don’t fit into a neat category.

January 22, 2026

HB1904

Requires counsel for parents and custodians of Indian children in removal, placement and TPR; permits appointment of counsel for Indian kids.

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January 21, 2026

SB1234

Requiring appointment of an attorney guardian ad litem for the child in dependency and termination of parental rights cases.

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January 20, 2026

S4510

Require appointed GAL or attorney to represent expressed preferences of the child unless they pose imminent risk of harm to the child.

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January 20, 2026

HB4603

Adds §49 4 607a(f) which states that “All parties to the underlying child abuse and neglect proceeding shall be afforded the right to legal counsel. The court shall appoint the same legal counsel to represent the parties in the legal proceedings appointing a guardian.”

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January 20, 2026

HB4604

Modifies RTC provisions for children and parents in dependency cases.

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January 20, 2026

SB527

Adds §49 4 607a(f) which states that “All parties to the underlying child abuse and neglect proceeding shall be afforded the right to legal counsel. The court shall appoint the same legal counsel to represent the parties in the legal proceedings appointing a guardian.”

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January 20, 2026

SB539

Modifies child and parent RTC provisions in §49 4 601(f).

2026/01/22 Modifies child and parent RTC provisions in §49 4 601(f).

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January 20, 2026

HB4621

Changes right to counsel provisions in §49 4 601 for children and parents in dependency cases.

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January 20, 2026

SB541

Changes right to counsel provisions in §49 4 601 for children and parents in dependency cases.

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January 19, 2026

HB4358

Creates pilot program to apparently test out new delivery model for legal services for children in neglect abuse/cases.

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January 19, 2026

SB2686

Adds exception under Sec. 93 15 107(1)(d) for the mandatory appointment of a GAL for the child in termination cases.

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January 16, 2026

SB6185

Provides counsel to parents or guardians who are pregnant or have a newborn at risk of CPS intervention due to drug or alcohol exposure

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