Purpose

Provide funding to support legal representation for children who need protection or services and for children in out-of-home placement. The bill would create a grant program funded from the General Fund to support an organization that provides this legal representation.

Main Provisions

• An appropriation of $150,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $150,000 in fiscal year 2027 from the General Fund to the commissioner of public safety.
• The funds are for a grant to an organization that provides legal representation for the identified groups of children.
• The grant is contingent on a match from nonstate funds equal in amount to the grant (a 1:1 match).
• The match may be provided as in-kind contributions (including the value of volunteer attorney time), cash, or a combination of both.
• These appropriations are in addition to any other existing funding for the legal representation of children.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Establishes a new funding mechanism to support legal representation for children in need of protection or services and children in out-of-home placement.
• Introduces a required nonstate match (equal to the grant amount) to receive the funds.
• Directs the General Fund to fund a grant through the Commissioner of Public Safety, expanding how and who provides legal representation services to these children.

Impact and Oversight (implied)

• The program relies on an eligible organization to apply for and administer the grant.
• Nonstate funds and volunteer contributions are valued toward meeting the required match, encouraging community and pro bono support.

Relevant Terms general fund commissioner of public safety grant organization that provides legal representation children in need of protection or services children in out-of-home placement matching funds nonstate funds in-kind volunteer attorney time cash match fiscal year 2026 fiscal year 2027 appropriations legal representation of children