Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF1862

Introduced
3/3/25  

Caption

Statewide Office of Appellate Counsel and Training and State Board organization modified, and salary and employment terms of attorneys and other employees modified.

Impact

This legislation is expected to enhance the legal framework supporting parents in juvenile protection cases. By establishing a statewide office dedicated to appellate representation, HF1862 aims to create a more efficient system that provides necessary legal resources to parents who may struggle to obtain adequate representation. The collaboration with state agencies for federal funding, specifically Title IV-E support, signifies a proactive approach to improving advocacy in juvenile matters. This could lead to better outcomes for families navigating the judicial system.

Summary

House File 1862 aims to modify the organizational structure of the Statewide Office of Appellate Counsel and Training and the State Board of Appellate Counsel and Training in Minnesota. The bill establishes clear responsibilities for the new office, which includes providing appellate representation to parents involved in juvenile protection matters. It also emphasizes training standards for parent attorneys, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate the legal landscape affecting their clients. The bill intends to address the unique challenges faced by parents during appellate proceedings, especially within Tribal jurisdictions.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its focus on legal representation, some concerns have been raised regarding the appointment process for the board members overseeing the Statewide Office of Appellate Counsel and Training. Critics argue that limiting board membership to certain appointed individuals may reduce diversity and the representation of different experiences within the juvenile justice system. Moreover, questions around the compensation and employment terms for attorneys and other employees may provoke discussions about the adequacy of resources allocated to this significant area of legal support.

Companion Bills

MN SF2006

Similar To Statewide Office of Appellate Counsel and Training and the State Board of Appellate Counsel and Training organization modification provision, Statewide Office of Appellate Counsel and Training attorneys and other employees salary and employment terms modifications provision

Previously Filed As

MN SF1642

Statewide Office of Appellate Counsel and Training establishment

MN HF922

Statewide Office of Appellate Counsel and Training established, State Board of Appellate Counsel and Training established, head appellate counsel and program administrator established, attorneys provided, counties required to utilize services of the office to provide appellate counsel for parents of juveniles, and Department of Administration support directed.

MN HF1403

Aging, disability, behavioral health, substance use disorder, and statewide opioid litigation laws modified and established.

MN HF1198

Child care assistance expanded, grants and rules regarding children's mental health expanded and modified, transition to community initiative modified, staff training requirements modified, covered transportation services modified, coverage of clinical care coordination modified, children's long-term stays in emergency room rules modified, rural family response and stabilization services pilot program established, and money appropriated.

MN HF2513

Subminimum wages prohibited for persons with disabilities, lead agency board and case manager responsibilities and training modified, statewide disability employment technical assistance center and employment first capacity building grants established, requirements for informed choice in employment policy modified, Minnesota supplemental aid program eligibility clarified, Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Law data use modified, and money appropriated.

MN HF1688

Termination of parental rights, emergency removals, and family reunification requirements modified; and definition of threatened sexual abuse modified.

MN HF1522

Labor policy provisions modified; and building codes, occupational safety and health, and employment law modified.

MN HF4692

Direct Care and Treatment agency established; date for transfer of authority and responsibility modified; board membership qualifications, procedures, powers, and duties established; chief executive officer powers and duties established; accounts established; social welfare fund terms modified; effective dates modified; and initial appointments provided.

MN HF4459

Department of Human Services child placement and safety executive bill provisions modified.

MN HF2476

Child protection; economic supports; housing and homelessness; child care licensing; Department of Children, Youth, and Families provisions modified; reports required; and money appropriated.

Similar Bills

MN HF157

Tax increment financing; special rules authorized for the city of Maplewood.

MN SF555

City attorneys provisions modifications and authorizations

MN HF698

City attorneys authorized to file delinquency petitions for certain offenses committed by a juvenile when a county attorney declines to file a petition, city attorneys authorized to prosecute certain felony and gross misdemeanor offenses when a county attorney declines to prosecute, administrative subpoenas issuance authorized, and conforming changes made.

MN SF5059

City attorneys authorizations provisions modifications and conforming changes

MN HF4970

City attorneys authorized to file delinquency petitions for offenses committed by a juvenile when a county attorney declines to file a petition, city attorneys authorized to prosecute felony and gross misdemeanor offenses in certain cases, and city attorneys authorized to issue administrative subpoenas in certain cases.

MN HF1188

City attorneys authorized to file delinquency petitions for certain offenses committed by a juvenile when a county attorney declines to file a petition, city attorneys authorized to prosecute certain felony and gross misdemeanor offenses when a county attorney declines to prosecute, administrative subpoenas issuance authorized, and conforming changes made.

MN HF3950

City attorneys authorized to take actions including filing delinquency petitions for offenses committed by a juvenile, prosecuting felony offenses and gross misdemeanor offenses, and issuing administrative subpoenas in certain cases; and conforming changes made.

MN SF4273

City and county attorney authorizations and provisions modifications and making conforming changes