Bill · H.R. 8997· House(119-HR-8997)
Right to Representation Act
- Introduced
- 5/21/2026
- Last activity
- 5/21/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- Sponsored by
- Mary Gay Scanlon
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Right to Representation Act aims to amend the Social Security Act regarding federal payments for foster care, prevention, and permanency. It requires States to establish policies and procedures that guarantee legal representation for specific individuals in child protection proceedings. This includes parents or guardians involved in cases such as dependency, adoption, or termination of parental rights. It also requires representation for children alleged or found to have been abused or neglected. These changes are scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2026.
Yes· 3 of 6
Would children be better off under this?+8
The bill provides a legal safeguard for children involved in child abuse or neglect proceedings.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+7
The bill strengthens due process by guaranteeing independent legal representation for parents, guardians, and children in judicial proceedings.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+5
The bill provides essential legal services to families involved in child welfare proceedings who may not otherwise afford private counsel.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Legal assistance for parents and guardians: The bill requires States to ensure an attorney is available to provide independent legal representation to individuals involved in proceedings because they are a parent or guardian (Section 2(a)(38)(A)(i)).
-
Legal assistance for children: The bill requires that an attorney provide independent legal representation to any individual involved in a proceeding because they are a child who is alleged or found to have been abused or neglected (Section 2(a)(38)(A)(ii)).
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Establishment of attorney-client relationships: The bill defines independent legal representation as an existing attorney-client relationship governed by the State's rules of professional responsibility (Section 2(a)(38)(B)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are mentioned in the text provided.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+8Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Young Adults+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+7
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Social Security+3Improves Poverty Reduction+1
- 5/21/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- Introduced in House