What does Preamble of Right to Representation Act do?

This bill proposes to amend part E of title IV of the Social Security Act. The proposed amendment would require states to guarantee legal representation to children and parents involved in child protection proceedings. This requirement would be implemented under the program of Federal payments for foster care, prevention, and permanency.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Right to Representation Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Right to Representation Act.

What does REQUIREMENT THAT STATES GUARANTEE LEGAL REPRESENTATION TO of Right to Representation Act do?

This section amends Section 471(a) of the Social Security Act to require states to guarantee legal representation to children and parents involved in child protection proceedings. The requirement applies to judicial proceedings involving allegations of child abuse or neglect, including dependency, adoption, guardianship, or termination of parental rights proceedings. States must ensure an attorney is available for parents or guardians and for children alleged or found to have been abused or neglected. ’Independent legal representation’ is defined as an attorney-client relationship existing under the state's rules of professional responsibility. The amendments will take effect on October 1, 2026, and apply to payments under Part E of Title IV of the Social Security Act. States may be granted a delay in compliance if state legislation is required, with the delay extending until after the first regular session of the state legislature following the effective date.

What does GAO REPORTS. of Right to Representation Act do?

This section requires the Comptroller General to prepare and submit reports every two years. The reports are to be submitted to the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance. The reports must describe the implementation of section 471(a)(38) of the Social Security Act.

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Right to Representation Act

Last updated: 5/21/2026 · Introduced: 5/21/2026

Author: Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill mandates that states provide legal representation to children and parents involved in child protection proceedings, such as dependency, adoption, or termination of parental rights cases.
States must ensure independent legal representation for both parents/guardians and children alleged or found to have experienced abuse or neglect.
The Government Accountability Office will produce biennial reports on the implementation of this legal representation requirement, submitted to Congress.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

4 sections

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