In CommitteeFiled May 21, 2026
Sponsor: Rep. Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5] (D)
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
May 21, 2026
Summary
The Right to Representation Act amends the Social Security Act to make it a condition of receiving federal foster‑care, prevention, and permanency payments that each state provide independent attorneys for children and for parents or guardians in abuse or neglect cases. It applies to any judicial proceeding involving allegations of abuse, neglect, dependency, adoption, guardianship, or termination of parental rights. The goal is to ensure fair legal advocacy for all parties in these high‑stakes cases.
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