SSB 1002 (LSB 1415XC (2) 90)

SENATE FILE _____ 

BY  (PROPOSED COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY BILL BY CHAIRPERSON ZAUN)

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to a juvenile court’s ability to suspend proceedings in child in need of assistance cases.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  NEW SECTION.  232.95A  Suspended proceedings.
   At any time after the filing of a petition and prior to entry of an order of adjudication pursuant to section 232.96, the court may suspend the proceedings on motion of any party and continue the case subject to terms and conditions established by the court to assure the proper care and protection of the child. Such terms and conditions may include the supervision of the child and of the parent, guardian, or custodian by the department, juvenile court office, or other appropriate agency designated by the court. The maximum duration of any term or condition of a suspended proceeding shall be twelve months unless the court finds at a hearing held during the last month of that period that exceptional circumstances require an extension of the term or condition for an additional six months.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill allows a juvenile court to enter an order suspending proceedings in child in need of assistance cases any time after the filing of a petition and prior to an order of adjudication upon motion of any party. A suspension shall be subject to terms and conditions established by the court which may include the supervision of the child and of the parent, guardian, or custodian by the department of health and human services, juvenile court office, or other appropriate agency designated by the court. The duration of any term or condition of a suspended judgment cannot exceed 12 months unless the court finds at a hearing held during the last month of that period that exceptional circumstances require an extension of the term or condition for an additional six months.