Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Authorizes the Federal Indian Child Welfare Act Through State Codification

Highlights:

• Authorizes the Federal Indian Child Welfare Act and codifies it into state law to prioritize keeping native and indegenous children with family members (Sec. 1).

• Requires courts keep native and indigenous children out of non-native foster or adoptive homes if any native homes or orphanages are available (Sec. 1).

• Specifies a court may only terminate parental rights if its proven “beyond a reasonable doubt” that the child’s parent’s will cause serious emotional or physical damage to the child if they regain custody (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall become effective immediately upon passage and approval by the governor (Sec. 5).

Signed by Governor Mark Gordon

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with house amendments and pass a bill that authorizes the Federal Indian Child Welfare Act and codifies it into state law.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the Federal Indian Child Welfare Act and codifies it into state law to prioritize keeping native and indegenous children with family members (Sec. 1).

• Requires courts keep native and indigenous children out of non-native foster or adoptive homes if any native homes or orphanages are available (Sec. 1).

• Specifies a court may only terminate parental rights if its proven “beyond a reasonable doubt” that the child’s parent’s will cause serious emotional or physical damage to the child if they regain custody (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall become effective immediately upon passage and approval by the governor (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that authorizes the Federal Indian Welfare Act and codifies it into state law.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the Federal Indian Child Welfare Act and codifies it into state law to prioritize keeping native and indegenous children with family members (Sec. 1).

• Requires courts keep native and indigenous children out of non-native foster or adoptive homes if any native homes or orphanages are available (Sec. 1).

• Specifies a court may only terminate parental rights if its proven “beyond a reasonable doubt” that the child’s parent’s will cause serious emotional or physical damage to the child if they regain custody (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall become effective immediately upon passage and approval by the governor (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text