SB 181-CHILD PLACEMENT; DILIGENT SEARCH  3:52:50 PM CHAIR WILSON reconvened the meeting and announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 181 "An Act relating to placement of a child in need of aid; relating to adoption; and providing for an effective date." CHAIR WILSON stated that at the committee's last hearing CSSB 181, version Y, was adopted. 3:53:52 PM CHAIR WILSON solicited a motion. 3:53:46 PM SENATOR KAUFMAN moved to adopt Amendment 1, work order 33- LS0348\Y.1, to SB 181. 33-LS0348\Y.1 Bergerud 3/5/24   A M E N D M E N T 1 OFFERED IN THE SENATE TO: CSSB 181(HSS), Draft Version "Y" Page 1, line 13: Delete "has the status of an intervenor for purposes  of that hearing" Insert "does not become a party to the case" 3:53:49 PM CHAIR WILSON objected for purposes of discussion. 3:53:59 PM SENATOR JESSE BJORKMAN, District D, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, sponsor of SB 181, explained that the need for Amendment 1 (Y.1) arose due to conflicting opinions between the drafters of the law and the court system, which is responsible for implementing it. He stated that it was decided, for the sake of prudence, that those in charge of implementing and applying the law should have their perspective prevail. 3:54:41 PM CHAIR WILSON asked for a brief overview of SB 181. 3:54:44 PM LAURA ACHEE, Staff, Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided an overview of SB 181 and an explanation of the proposed amendment. She stated that the overall purpose of SB 181 is to amend the state's Child in Need of Aid law to allow foster parents to request a hearing when necessary. It also grants courts and the Department of Family and Community Services more discretion in making placements that serve the best interests of the child. 3:55:21 PM At ease 3:55:39 PM CHAIR WILSON reconvened the meeting. 3:55:42 PM MS. ACHEE said SB 181 establishes clear statutory requirements for the Office of Children's Services to conduct family searches, ensuring timely placement of children with an adult family member or family friend, if available. In SB 181, version Y, Section 1, language was added to address concerns from both the Alaska Court System and the Department of Family and Community Services. It clarifies that while foster parents may request a hearing, they are not a party to the case. An agreement was reached to address the court's concerns, adding clarity without changing the bill's intent. 3:56:54 PM SENATOR GIESSEL asked the meaning of "a party to the case." MS. ACHEE stated her belief that being "a party to the case" gives a person greater precedence in the case and grants complete access to files, including private and confidential information. 3:57:29 PM SENATOR GIESSEL asked Ms. Achee to incorporate that information into the sentence being amended and clarify the full meaning of "a party to the case." 3:57:55 PM SENATOR GIESSEL interjected to clarify that she was not asking how the amendment would look in SB 181 but wanted to understand what the application of being "a party to the case" would mean in practice. MS. ACHEE explained her understanding that under the original statute, a "party" to the case, such as a parent, could request a hearing. The concern arose that allowing a foster parent to request a hearing without clarification might lead courts to interpret this as making foster parents a party to the case, giving them full access rights to information. The change allows foster parents to request a hearing, but it makes clear they do not receive all the rights and access that are given to a party. 3:59:06 PM CHAIR WILSON removed his objection; finding no further objection Amendment 1 (Y.1) was adopted. 3:59:14 PM CHAIR WILSON stated that before the committee is CSSB 181, as amended. 3:59:26 PM SENATOR BJORKMAN thanked the committee for their consideration as SB 181 goes a long way in making sure there are better outcomes for children facing foster care. 3:59:49 PM CHAIR WILSON solicited a motion. 3:59:53 PM SENATOR KAUFMAN moved to report CSSB 181, work order 33- LS0348\Y, as amended, from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s). 4:00:09 PM CHAIR WILSON found no further objection and CSSB 181(HSS) was reported from the Senate Health and Social Services Standing Committee.