Senate File 2111 - Introduced SENATE FILE BY WARD Passed Senate, Date Passed House, Date Vote: Ayes Nays Vote: Ayes Nays Approved A BILL FOR 1 An Act providing grounds for termination of parental rights under 2 certain circumstances for parents convicted of certain 3 felonies. 4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA: 5 TLSB 5351SS 81 6 jp/sh/8 PAG LIN 1 1 Section 1. Section 232.116, subsection 1, Code 2005, is 1 2 amended by adding the following new paragraph: 1 3 NEW PARAGRAPH. o. The parent has been imprisoned for a 1 4 felony crime against a person including but not limited to a 1 5 sexual offense or a drug=related offense, and it is unlikely 1 6 that the parent will be released from prison for a period of 1 7 five years or more. In determining whether to terminate the 1 8 rights of a parent under this paragraph, in addition to the 1 9 considerations provided in subsections 2 and 3, the court 1 10 shall give consideration to the availability of a grandparent 1 11 or other close relative who is willing and suitable to provide 1 12 long=term foster care or to adopt the child. 1 13 EXPLANATION 1 14 This bill provides grounds for termination of parental 1 15 rights under Code chapter 232, the juvenile justice code, for 1 16 a parent who is imprisoned for a felony crime against a person 1 17 including but not limited to a sexual offense or a drug= 1 18 related offense, and it is unlikely that the parent will be 1 19 released from prison for a period of five years or more. In 1 20 determining whether to terminate parental rights, in addition 1 21 to consideration provided under existing law, the court is 1 22 required to consider the availability of a grandparent or 1 23 other close relative who is willing and suitable to provide 1 24 long=term foster care or adopt the child. The mitigating 1 25 circumstances that may be considered by the court under 1 26 existing law include the wishes and needs of the child, 1 27 parental ability to care for the child, foster care situation 1 28 of the child, and other circumstances of the child and the 1 29 child's parent. 1 30 LSB 5351SS 81 1 31 jp:nh/sh/8