Indiana 2023 Regular Session Status: In Committee Bipartisan · 1 R · 1 D cosponsors

SB 485 — Office of the child representative.

Last action — Senator Walker K added as second author

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 2023 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Summary

Requires a child's attorney to request an independent guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate under certain circumstances. Provides that the following are entitled to representation by counsel: (1) A child in a proceeding to terminate the parent-child relationship. (2) A child who is, or is going to be, in an out-of-home placement with a child services provider. (3) A child who is at least 12 years of age in a child in need of services case. Allows a child at least 12 years of age to waive the right to counsel only after an initial meeting with the appointed attorney, in open court, on the record and confirmed in writing, and in the presence of the appointed attorney. Establishes the office of the child representative, which consists of both a council directed by a board of directors and a commission. Provides procedures and duties for the council and the commission. Creates the child representative fund. Makes an appropriation.

Bill Text

We don't have the full text on file for this bill yet.

Read SB 485 on the official Indiana source →

Action History

  1. Senator Walker K added as second author

  2. First reading: referred to Committee on Family and Children Services

  3. Authored by Senator Ford Jon

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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2 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 148 not signed on

Sponsors (2)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (148)

148 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

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Frequently asked questions

What does SB 485 do?
Requires a child's attorney to request an independent guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate under certain circumstances. Provides that the following are entitled to representation by counsel: (1) A child in a proceeding to terminate the parent-child relationship. (2) A child who is, or is going to be, in an out-of-home placement with a child services provider. (3) A child who is at least 12 years of age in a child in need of services case. Allows a child at least 12 years of age to waive the right to counsel only after an initial meeting with the appointed attorney, in open court, on the record and confirmed in writing, and in the presence of the appointed attorney. Establishes the office of the child representative, which consists of both a council directed by a board of directors and a commission. Provides procedures and duties for the council and the commission. Creates the child representative fund. Makes an appropriation.
Who sponsors SB 485?
SB 485 is sponsored by Kyle Walker (Republican) and J.D. Ford (Democrat).
What is the current status of SB 485?
This bill died with 2023 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track SB 485?
Track SB 485 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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Last checked for changes 3 months ago · updated continuously

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