Right to Representation Act
In committee: it can still change before the session ends.
- Stage
- In committee
- Started in
- House
- Sponsor
- 1
- Latest action
- May 21, 2026
What it does
The Right to Representation Act would require states to guarantee independent legal representation for both children and parents involved in child protection proceedings—such as dependency, adoption, guardianship, or termination of parental rights cases—under the federal foster care, prevention, and permanency program. It amends the Social Security Act to mandate that states implement policies and procedures ensuring attorneys are available to represent parents or guardians and provide independent legal representation to children alleged or found to be abused or neglected during any such judicial proceeding. The requirement takes effect October 1, 2026, with a delay permitted if state…
No official summary is available here. This one was written by AI from the bill’s text.
Where it stands
Introduced (Done)
Committee (Current step)
Floor (Not started)
Law (Not started)
What moved
Who is involved
Sponsors
The lawmakers who put their names on it, lead sponsors first.
Where it goes next
While a bill can still move, the questions are about people and money.