Law Changes — Florida Dependency Law Finder

Admin Code Chapter 65C · 2 rules open for rulemaking

Admin code: DCF's rulemaking notices for Chapter 65C in the Florida Administrative Register (flrules.org), merged with each rule's timeline from the Joint Administrative Procedures Committee's FALCON system (hearings, deadlines, JAPC letters, DOAH challenges, filing for adoption), checked daily. Where the two disagree (a notice only one of them has, or a different date), the timeline flags it. A rule is open from its newest notice of development, proposal, change or emergency rule until it takes effect, is withdrawn, or lapses (a proposal not adopted within a year). Rules that share a notice are shown together as one rulemaking. In rule text, added words are underlined and deleted words ~~struck through~~, as the Register prints them.

Administration and Organization New rule

Rule 65C-15.0031 · Notice of Proposed Rule, 2026-09-24 · under JAPC review

AI summary The proposed rule is new text, shown entirely as additions, setting administrative requirements for child-placing (adoption) agencies. Agencies would need a written statement of purpose, Florida business registration (out-of-state agencies placing children or serving birth mothers in Florida must register with the Department of State), a governing body with a member list, annual written evaluation of the agency head, budget approval and minutes, an organizational chart, and a signed Affidavit of Compliance (form CF-FSP 5218). They would give DCF 30 days' written notice before changes in leadership, purpose, name, address or services, and notice within one business day of any civil or criminal action against the agency or its staff that relates to child-placing, or any action to revoke or suspend its license. The text also sets vehicle safety and seat-belt/restraint rules for transporting children, and requires 30 days' notice before closing, with transfer of children's surrenders and releases, temporary placements, records and client services to another licensed agency or DCF.

From DCF's notice Amendments update the licensing requirements for child-placing agencies to streamline the licensing processes.

Would create: Rule 65C-15.0031 Administration and Organization (new)

Latest notice (Notice of Proposed Rule, FAR Vol. 52/186) · JAPC FALCON record R206032

Rule 65C-15.0031 Administration and Organization · Proposed text (Notice of Proposed Rule, 2026-09-24) (added underlined, deleted ~~struck~~)

65C-15.0031 Administration and Organization.

(1) Statement of Purpose and Program Description. The child-placing agency shall have a written statement of purpose describing the core values, mission, services the agency provides, publication for availability of these services, and a description of the program.

(2) Business Registration. Child-placing agencies shall be registered to conduct business under Florida law. Child-placing Agencies outside the State of Florida shall be registered under the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations to:

(a) Place an adoptive child in the state of Florida.

(b) Provide services to the birth mother in Florida including relocating the birth mother to a different state.

(c) Execute any adoption-related business in Florida.

(3) Governing Body. Each child-placing agency must establish and maintain a governing body.

(a) The child-placing agency shall maintain a list of the members of its governing body. This list must be available to the Department and shall:

1. Include the name and term of membership of each member; and,

2. Identify each office and the term of that office.

(b) Responsibilities of the Governing Body.

1. Employ a qualified owner, chief executive officer, or executive director to provide oversight and make managerial decisions of the child-placing agency.

2. Evaluate in writing the owner, chief executive officer, and executive director’s performance annually.

3. Approve the annual budget of anticipated income and expenditures necessary to provide the services described in its statement of purpose.

4. Maintain written minutes of all meetings, which must be provided to the Department upon request.

(4) Organizational Chart. The child-placing agency must maintain a current organizational chart showing the administrative structure including the lines of authority.

(5) The child-placing agency must complete and submit the, “Affidavit of Compliance,” form CF-FSP 5218, (March 2026), which is incorporated by reference and available at https://flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-19468.

(6) The child-placing agency shall provide written notification to the Department’s regional licensing team 30 days prior to changes in the agency’s owner, chief executive officer, or executive director, statement of purpose, business name, address, or type of services being offered.

(7) The agency shall notify the Department in writing within one business day if:

(a) Any civil or criminal action is commenced in any jurisdiction against any owner, chief executive officer, executive director, director, officer, employee or agent of the agency, where the civil or criminal action relates to or affects the licensed child-placing activity of the agency, or

(b) Any action is commenced in any jurisdiction to revoke or suspend a license held by the agency.

(8) The child-placing agency shall maintain furnishings and equipment in good working condition for the operation of the office.

(9) Vehicles used by staff to transport children shall be maintained and operated in safe condition, and in conformity with motor vehicle laws.

(a) The agency shall assist clients in arranging transportation necessary for implementing the child’s case plan and transportation for the child if the caregiver is unable to transport.

(b) The number of persons in a vehicle used to transport children shall not exceed the number of available seats; children shall be restrained by a safety belt or by a child restraint device when being transported in motor vehicles.

(10) Agency Closure. If a child-placing agency ceases operation, for any reason, it shall notify the Department in writing at least 30 calendar days prior to closing and shall provide the following to the Department:

(a) Legal transfer of surrender and releases of any children in its custody to another licensed child-placing agency or to the Department;

(b) Documentation of appropriate transfer of responsibility for children in temporary placement to another licensed child-placing agency or to the Department; and,

(c) All open and closed records.

(d) Documentation of appropriate transfer or termination of services for all other clients.

Rulemaking Authority 409.175 FS. Law Implemented 409.175 FS. History–New .

Timeline (3 events, newest first; latest: Notice of Proposed Rule, 2026-09-24)

2026-12-23upcoming 90-Day Filing Deadline JAPC
2026-09-24 Notice of Proposed Rule · FAR Vol. 52/186 RegisterJAPC
The notice
Notice of Proposed Rule

DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Family Safety and Preservation Program

RULE NO.: RULE TITLE:

65C-15.0031 Administration and Organization

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: Amendments update the licensing requirements for child-placing agencies to streamline the licensing processes.

SUMMARY: Amendments add administration and organization requirements.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

The Agency has determined that this rule will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: The Department used a checklist to conduct an economic analysis and determine if there is an adverse impact or regulatory costs associated with this rule that exceeds the criteria in section 120.541(2)(a), F.S. Based upon this analysis, the Department has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or to provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days after publication of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 409.175 FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 409.175 FS.

IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN THE FAR.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Elizabeth Floyd. Elizabeth can be reached at Elizabeth.Floyd@myflfamilies.com or (850)488-2381.

THE TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Vanessa Snoddy

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Taylor N. Hatch

DATE PROPOSED RULE WAS APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: January 28, 2026

DATE NOTICE OF RULE DEVELOPMENT WAS PUBLISHED IN FAR: September 16, 2026
2026-09-16 Notice of Rule Development · FAR Vol. 52/180 RegisterJAPC
The notice
Notice of Rule Development

DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Family Safety and Preservation Program

RULE NO.: RULE TITLE:

65C-15.0031 Administration and Organization

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: Amendments update the licensing requirements for child-placing agencies to streamline the licensing processes for administration and organization.

SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Child-Placing Agency Licensing.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 409.175 FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 409.175 FS.

IF REQUESTED IN WRITING AND NOT DEEMED UNNECESSARY BY THE AGENCY HEAD, A RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL BE NOTICED IN THE NEXT AVAILABLE FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE REGISTER.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Elizabeth Floyd. Elizabeth can be reached at Elizabeth.Floyd@myflfamilies.com.

THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS AVAILABLE AND CAN BE OBTAINED, AT NO CHARGE, FROM THE CONTACT PERSON LISTED ABOVE.

Notices from the Florida Administrative Register; hearings, deadlines, JAPC letters, DOAH challenges and adoption from JAPC's FALCON (record R206032), which notes that its dates are for information, not an official record.

Earlier proposal, withdrawn 2026-09-16 (JAPC FALCON, newest first)

2026-09-16 Notice of Withdrawal Published in FAR
2026-07-09 90-Day Filing Deadline
2026-04-10 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
2026-03-06 Notice of Rule Development

FALCON record R199693.

Definitions Challenged

Rule 65C-46.001 · Notice of Change, 2026-06-23 · under JAPC review

AI summary The redline would delete the definitions of gender or gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, transgender, and the Florida Association of Christian Child-Caring Agencies (FACCCA). It would also delete the definitions of public institution and qualified residential treatment program (QRTP), and add a definition of sex as female or male based on reproductive role as indicated by chromosomes, hormones and genitalia at birth. It would also narrow direct care staff to those who provide care and supervision to children, dropping those who merely have unsupervised contact, and drop the no-direct-or-unsupervised-contact language from the non-direct care staff definition. It would add 'due to disruptive behaviors' to the sex-trafficking risk factor of repeated moves from less restrictive placements, and renumber the remaining definitions.

From DCF's notice Amendments remove obsolete rule provisions, streamline the licensing process, and align the rule language with Department policy regarding child-caring agency licensing.

Would change: Rule 65C-46.001 Definitions

Latest notice (Notice of Change, FAR Vol. 52/121) · JAPC FALCON record R197302

Rule challenge. A petition challenging the proposed rule was filed at the Division of Administrative Hearings on 2026-07-17 (DOAH Case No. 26-3482RP). The rule can't be filed for adoption while a challenge to it is pending (s. 120.56(2), Fla. Stat.); check the DOAH docket for its status.

Rule 65C-46.001 Definitions · Changes to the proposed text (Notice of Change, 2026-06-23) (added underlined, deleted ~~struck~~)

65C-46.001 Definitions.

(1) through (2) No change.

(3) “Child or youth at risk of sex trafficking” means an individual who has experienced trauma, such as abuse, neglect, and/or maltreatment, and presents with one or more of the accompanying risk factors:

(a) through (d) No change.

(e) Out-of-home placement instability demonstrated by repeated moves from less restrictive levels of care due to disruptive behaviors.

(4) No change.

(5) “Direct care staff” means personnel who are employed, contracted, or volunteer as a caregiver to provide care and supervision to ~~or have unsupervised contact with~~ children.

(6) through (7) No change.

(8) “Florida Association of Christian Child-Caring Agencies (FACCCA)” means the authority responsible for the registration and oversight of faith-based residential group homes, family foster homes, and adoption agencies.

(9) “Gender” or “gender identity” means a person’s internal identification or self-image as male or female. Gender identity may or may not correspond to the gender that is listed on the person’s birth certificate. The terms “male,” “female,” or “nonbinary” describe how a person identifies.

~~(10) “Gender expression” refers to the way a person expresses gender through appearance, dress, grooming habits, mannerisms and other characteristics.~~

(11) through (13) are redesignated (8) through (10) No change.

(11)~~(14)~~ “Non-direct care staff” means personnel who are employed, contracted, or volunteer in positions that are not in a caregiver role ~~and do not have direct or unsupervised contact with children~~.

~~(15) “Public institution” means a child-caring agency owned or run by the County, State, or Federal Government that provides 24-hour care.~~

(16) through (19) are redesignated (12) through (15) No change.

(16) “Sex” means the classification of a person as either female or male based on the organization of the body of such person for a specific reproductive role, as indicated by the person’s sex chromosomes, naturally occurring sex hormones, and internal and external genitalia present at birth.

~~(20) “Sexual orientation” means a person’s emotional or physical attraction to members of the same gender, a different gender, or any gender.~~

(21) through (22) are redesignated (17) through (18) No change.

~~(23) “Transgender” means having a gender identity that is different than the person’s gender listed on the person’s birth certificate.~~

(24) through (27) are redesignated (19) through (22) No change.

(28) “Qualified residential treatment program (QRTP)” means a licensed therapeutic group home with a child-caring agency credential that provides care for youth who have serious emotional or behavioral disorders or disturbances.

(29) is redesignated (23) No change.

Rulemaking Authority 409.175(5) FS. Law Implemented 409.175(5) FS. History–New 7-1-87, Amended 9-19-90, Formerly 10M-9.003, Amended 11-30-97, 10-20-16, 5-26-21, Formerly 64C-14.001, Amended .

Rule 65C-46.001 Definitions · Proposed text (Notice of Proposed Rule, 2025-11-17) (added underlined, deleted ~~struck~~)

65C-46.001 Definitions.

(1) through (2) No change.

(3) “Child or youth at risk of sex trafficking” means an individual who has experienced trauma, such as abuse, neglect, and/or maltreatment, and presents with one or more of the accompanying risk factors:

(a) through (d) No change.

(e) Out-of-home placement instability demonstrated by repeated moves from less restrictive levels of care due to disruptive behaviors.

(4) No change.

(5) “Direct care staff” means personnel who are employed, contracted, or volunteer as a caregiver or have unsupervised contact with to provide care and supervision to children.

(6) through (7) No change.

(8) “Florida Association of Christian Child-Caring Agencies (FACCCA)” means the authority responsible for the registration and oversight of faith-based residential group homes, family foster homes, and adoption agencies.

(9) “Gender” or “gender identity” means a person’s internal identification or self-image as male or female. Gender identity may or may not correspond to the gender that is listed on the person’s birth certificate. The terms “male,” “female,” or “nonbinary” describe how a person identifies.

(10) “Gender expression” refers to the way a person expresses gender through appearance, dress, grooming habits, mannerisms and other characteristics.

(11) through (13) are redesignated (8) through (10) No change.

(11)(14) “Non-direct care staff” means personnel who are employed, contracted, or volunteer in positions that are not in a caregiver role and do not have direct or unsupervised contact with children.

(15) “Public institution” means a child-caring agency owned or run by the County, State, or Federal Government that provides 24-hour care.

(16) through (19) are redesignated (12) through (15) No change.

(16) “Sex” means the classification of a person as either female or male based on the organization of the body of such person for a specific reproductive role, as indicated by the person’s sex chromosomes, naturally occurring sex hormones, and internal and external genitalia present at birth.

(20) “Sexual orientation” means a person’s emotional or physical attraction to members of the same gender, a different gender, or any gender.

(21) through (22) are redesignated (17) through (18) No change.

(23) “Transgender” means having a gender identity that is different than the person’s gender listed on the person’s birth certificate.

(24) through (27) are redesignated (19) through (22) No change.

(28) “Qualified residential treatment program (QRTP)” means a licensed therapeutic group home with a child-caring agency credential that provides care for youth who have serious emotional or behavioral disorders or disturbances.

(29) is redesignated (23) No change.

Rulemaking Authority 409.175(5) FS. Law Implemented 409.175(5) FS. History–New 7-1-87, Amended 9-19-90, Formerly 10M-9.003, Amended 11-30-97, 10-20-16, 5-26-21, Formerly 64C-14.001, Amended .

Timeline (11 events, newest first; latest: DOAH Challenge Filed (Case Number: 26-3482RP), 2026-07-17)

2026-07-17 DOAH Challenge Filed (Case Number: 26-3482RP) JAPC
2026-06-23 Notice of Change · FAR Vol. 52/121 RegisterJAPC
The notice
Notice of Change/Withdrawal

DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Family Safety and Preservation Program

RULE NO.: RULE TITLE:

65C-46.001 Definitions

NOTICE OF CHANGE

Notice is hereby given that the following changes have been made to the proposed rule in accordance with subparagraph 120.54(3)(d)1., F.S., published in Vol. 51 No. 223, November 17, 2025 issue of the Florida Administrative Register.
2026-06-11 Letter Received by JAPC JAPC
2026-06-05 Letter from JAPC to Agency JAPC
2026-05-29 Notice of No Change Rcvd by JAPC JAPC
2026-05-15 Agency Hearing Scheduled JAPC
2026-03-24 Agency Hearing Scheduled JAPC
2026-02-15 90-Day Filing Deadline JAPC
2026-02-04 Agency Hearing Scheduled JAPC
2025-11-17 Notice of Proposed Rule · FAR Vol. 51/223 · 13 rules RegisterJAPC
The notice
Notice of Proposed Rule

DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Family Safety and Preservation Program

RULE NOS.: RULE TITLES:

65C-46.001 Definitions

65C-46.002 Application Packet and Licensing Documents

65C-46.003 Administration and Organization

65C-46.004 Buildings, Grounds, Equipment and Interior Accommodations

65C-46.008 Individual Needs and Rights of Children In Care

65C-46.009 Discipline and Behavior Management

65C-46.010 Child Records and Confidentiality Requirements

65C-46.011 Personnel and Staffing Requirements

65C-46.012 Admission, Placement, and Ongoing Services

65C-46.014 Administrative Actions, Appeals and Closures

65C-46.0141 Corrective Action Plans

65C-46.021 Standards for Qualified Residential Treatment Program Credential

65C-46.023 Standards for Traditional and Residential Homes

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: Amendments remove obsolete rule provisions, streamline the licensing process, and align the rule language with Department policy regarding child-caring agency licensing.

SUMMARY: Amendments include (1) clarifies, adds, and removes obsolete definitions, (2) updates forms, (3) clarifying application and licensing document requirements, (4) updates citations, (5) adds confidentiality policies for the responsibilities of the governing body, (6) adds requirements to notify the Department of changes to the executive director, statement of purpose, admission criteria, business name, address, or licensing setting, (7) removes language regarding building requirements, (8) adds interpreters, translators and language options for individual needs and rights of children in care, (9) updates the discipline and behavior management used by the child-caring agency, (10) updates requirements for personnel and staffing requirements including training requirements, (11) updates admission requirements for each child in the care and custody of the Department, (12) updates language regarding administrative actions and closures, (13) adds new section for corrective action plans, (14) updates grammatical errors and terminology, and (15) updates the standards for traditional and residential homes.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

A SERC has not been prepared.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: The Department used a checklist to conduct an economic analysis and determine if there is an adverse impact or regulatory costs associated with this rule that exceeds the criteria in section 120.541(2)(a), F.S. Based upon this analysis, the Department has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 409.175(5) FS., 409.175(5)(a) FS., 381.004(2)(e)11. FS., 409.145(4) FS., 435.01 FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 409.175 FS., 409.175(5) FS., 409.175(6) FS., 409.175(5)(b)1., 8. FS., 409.175(5)(b)2., 3. FS., 409.175(5)(b)2., 12. FS., 409.175(5)(a)1., 13. FS., 409.175(5)(b)1., 9., 13., 381.004(2)(e)11., (f) FS., 409.175(5)(b)1., 4., 5., 7., 9., 435.05 FS., 409.175(5)(b)1., (6), (9)(a) FS.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Elizabeth Floyd. Elizabeth can be reached at Elizabeth.Floyd@myflfamilies.com or (850)488-2381.

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Vanessa Snoddy

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Taylor N. Hatch

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: October 17, 2025

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: November 10, 2025
2025-11-10 Notice of Rule Development · FAR Vol. 51/219 · 13 rules RegisterJAPC
The notice
Notice of Development of Rulemaking

DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Family Safety and Preservation Program

RULE NOS.: RULE TITLES:

65C-46.001 Definitions

65C-46.002 Application Packet and Licensing Documents

65C-46.003 Administration and Organization

65C-46.004 Buildings, Grounds, Equipment and Interior Accommodations

65C-46.008 Individual Needs and Rights of Children In Care

65C-46.009 Discipline and Behavior Management

65C-46.010 Child Records and Confidentiality Requirements

65C-46.011 Personnel and Staffing Requirements

65C-46.012 Admission, Placement, and Ongoing Services

65C-46.014 Administrative Actions, Appeals and Closures

65C-46.0141 Corrective Action Plans

65C-46.021 Standards for Qualified Residential Treatment Program Credential

65C-46.023 Standards for Traditional and Residential Homes

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: Amendments remove obsolete rule provisions, streamline the licensing process, and align the rule language with Department policy regarding child-caring agency licensing.

SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Child-caring agency licensing.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 409.175(5) FS., 409.175(5)(a) FS., 381.004(2)(e)11. FS., 409.145(4) FS., 435.01 FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 409.175 FS., 409.175(5) FS., 409.175(6) FS., 409.175(5)(b)1., 8. FS., 409.175(5)(b)2., 3. FS., 409.175(5)(b)2., 12. FS., 409.175(5)(a)1., 13. FS., 409.175(5)(b)1., 9., 13., 381.004(2)(e)11., (f) FS., 409.175(5)(b)1., 4., 5., 7., 9., 435.05 FS., 409.175(5)(b)1., (6), (9)(a) FS.

IF REQUESTED IN WRITING AND NOT DEEMED UNNECESSARY BY THE AGENCY HEAD, A RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL BE NOTICED IN THE NEXT AVAILABLE FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE REGISTER.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Elizabeth Floyd. Elizabeth can be reached at Elizabeth.Floyd@myflfamilies.com.

THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE FROM THE CONTACT PERSON LISTED ABOVE.

Notices from the Florida Administrative Register; hearings, deadlines, JAPC letters, DOAH challenges and adoption from JAPC's FALCON (record R197302), which notes that its dates are for information, not an official record.

Court Rules Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure · 2 amendment cases pending, 1 adopted and not yet in effect

Court rules: the Florida Supreme Court's cases amending the Juvenile Rules, from its online docket (ACIS), checked daily: rules committee reports, comments, responses, and the court's opinion. Amendments the court has adopted stay here until they take effect; other decided cases, 90 days.

Amendments to Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure - Forms 8.9781 and 8.9782 Adopted

SC2026-0289 Florida Supreme Court · filed 2026-02-18 · Adopted 2026-10-08; takes effect 2027-01-01

AI summary of the court's opinion. Adds two new forms, effective January 1, 2027, for the Chapter 39 proceedings under section 39.5035 when a child's parents have died: Form 8.9781, a petition for adjudication and permanent commitment for a child not yet adjudicated dependent, and Form 8.9782, a petition for permanent commitment after the child has been adjudicated dependent. Each alleges that both parents are deceased, or one is deceased and the other can't be found after a diligent search, and asks the court to commit the child to the department for adoption.

Amends: Form 8.9781 · Form 8.9782

The docket and filings (ACIS) · The court's opinion

Docket (8 entries, newest first; latest: FSC-OPINION: Accordingly, the Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure are amended as set forth in the appendix to this opinion. New language is indicated by underscoring. The amendments become effective January 1, 2027, at 12:01 a.m. It is so ordered., 2026-10-08)

2026-10-08FSC-OPINION: Accordingly, the Florida Rules of Juvenile Procedure are amended as set forth in the appendix to this opinion. New language is indicated by underscoring. The amendments become effective January 1, 2027, at 12:01 a.m. It is so ordered.
2026-07-31The above case has been submitted to the Court without oral argument.
2026-04-17All comments must be filed with the Court on or before June 1, 2026, with a certificate of service verifying that a copy has been served on the Committee Chair, Honorable Angélica D. Zayas, 155 NW 3rd Street, Suite 14328, Miami, Florida 33128, azayas@jud11.flcourts.org, and on the Bar Staff Liaison to the Committee, Viletta Coombs, 651 E. Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399, rules@floridabar.org, as well as a separate request for oral argument if the person filing the comment wishes to participate in oral argument, which may be scheduled in this case.
2026-02-20Acknowledgment Letter-New Case-Rules
2026-02-18Report of the Juvenile Court Rules Committee
2026-02-18Report of the Juvenile Court Rules Committee - Appendix B
2026-02-18Report of the Juvenile Court Rules Committee - Appendix A
2026-02-18Report of the Juvenile Court Rules Committee - Appendix C

Amendments to Florida Rule of Juvenile Procedure 8.103

SC2026-1345 Florida Supreme Court · filed 2026-08-31 · Pending; latest filing 2026-09-02

AI summary of the rules committee's report; the court hasn't acted on it yet. A delinquency rule, not a dependency one: the committee proposes a new rule 8.103 in Part II (Delinquency) to carry section 92.55's special protective orders into juvenile delinquency cases. On a motion (by the prosecutor, the child respondent, or a parent, guardian, attorney or guardian ad litem for the witness) or on its own, after a hearing and findings on the record, the court could limit how a victim or witness under 18, a person with an intellectual disability, or a childhood sexual-offense victim gives testimony: how often they're interviewed, barring depositions, requiring written questions in advance, setting the place and conditions, and who may attend, and, in cases involving a sexual offense or child abuse, abandonment or neglect, allowing a facility dog or therapy animal. The committee approved it 16-11; a minority report (Appendix C) objects that its structure differs confusingly from rule 8.104.

Would create: Rule 8.103 (new)

The docket and filings (ACIS)

Docket (6 entries, newest first; latest: Acknowledgment Letter-New Case-Rules, 2026-09-02)

2026-09-02Acknowledgment Letter-New Case-Rules
2026-08-31Fast-Track Report of the Juvenile Court Rules Committee - Appendix D
2026-08-31Fast-Track Report of the Juvenile Court Rules Committee - Appendix C
2026-08-31Fast-Track Report of the Juvenile Court Rules Committee - Appendix B
2026-08-31Fast-Track Report of the Juvenile Court Rules Committee - Appendix A
2026-08-31Fast-Track Report of the Juvenile Court Rules Committee

Amendment to Florida Rule of Juvenile Procedure 8.090

SC2025-1532 Florida Supreme Court · filed 2025-09-29 · Pending; latest filing 2026-02-16

AI summary of the rules committee's report; the court hasn't acted on it yet. A delinquency rule, not a dependency one. Asked by the Court whether the juvenile speedy-trial rule should follow the 2025 changes to the adult rule (3.191: the clock starts at formal charging rather than arrest, a 30-day recapture period, and dismissal without prejudice unless the constitutional right was violated), the committee recommends against all of them, voting 18-7, as contrary to the juvenile system's goal of speedy disposition and because delay could cost the juvenile court its jurisdiction. It proposes one change: rule 8.090(m)(3) would say the 10-day recapture period is mandatory before any remedy is given. The Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association commented that all the adult-rule changes should be adopted; the committee's response kept its recommendation unchanged, and the case was submitted to the Court without oral argument on February 16, 2026.

Would amend: Rule 8.090

The docket and filings (ACIS)

Docket (15 entries, newest first; latest: The above case has been submitted to the Court without oral argument., 2026-02-16)

2026-02-16The above case has been submitted to the Court without oral argument.
2026-02-02Juvenile Court Rules Committee's Response to Comments filed by the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association, Inc. - Certificate of Service (Amended)
2026-01-26Juvenile Court Rules Committee's Response to Comments filed by the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association, Inc.
2025-12-30The "Juvenile Court Rules Committee's Request for Extension of Time To Respond to Comments" is granted, and the Juvenile Court Rules Committee is allowed to and including January 30, 2026, to file its response to comments.
2025-12-19Juvenile Court Rules Committee's Request for Extension of Time To Respond to Comments
2025-12-12The motion to accept comments as timely filed is granted, and the amended comment filed with this Court on December 5, 2025, by the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association is hereby accepted as timely filed.
2025-12-05Amended Comment of the Florida Prosecuting Attorney's Association, Inc.
2025-12-05Motion for Leave to File Amended Out of Time Comments of the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association, Inc.
2025-12-01Comment of the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association, Inc. ***Amended comment filed December 5, 2025.***
2025-10-15All comments must be filed with the Court on or before December 1, 2025, with a certificate of service verifying that a copy has been served on the Committee Chair, Honorable Angélica D. Zayas, 155 NW 3rd Street, Suite 14328, Miami, Florida, 33128, azayas@jud11.flcourts.org, and on the Bar Staff Liaison to the Committee, Kelly Smith, 651 E. Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399, rules@floridabar.org, as well as a separate request for oral argument if the person filing the comment wishes to participate in oral argument, which may be scheduled in this case.
2025-10-01Acknowledgment Letter-New Case-Rules
2025-09-29Fast-Track Report of the Juvenile Court Rules Committee - Appendix B
2025-09-29Fast-Track Report of the Juvenile Court Rules Committee
2025-09-29Fast-Track Report of the Juvenile Court Rules Committee - Appendix A
2025-09-29Fast-Track Report of the Juvenile Court Rules Committee - Appendix C

Court Cases Florida Supreme Court and U.S. Supreme Court · 2 cases

Court cases: Florida Supreme Court review of dependency decisions, from its online docket (ACIS) and oral argument summaries, and U.S. Supreme Court cases granted review whose questions involve parental rights or child welfare, checked daily. Dependency dockets are confidential, so a Florida case shows as review accepted only once the court schedules oral argument or the docket says so; until then it's review sought, and most of those are declined. A decided case stays here 180 days.

1 other case from the collection is under review on issues outside dependency law (reviewed).

International Partners for Ethical Care, Inc., et al. v. Bob Ferguson, Governor of Washington, et al. Review granted

No. 25-840 U.S. Supreme Court · from United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit · Review granted 2026-06-29

AI summary The question is whether parents have standing in federal court to challenge Washington laws that let runaway minors receive gender-affirming treatment without parental notice or consent, on the theory that the laws displace parents' decision-making role. It matters to dependency practice because it concerns the scope of parents' constitutional custody and control rights and whether parents can get into court to enforce them.

The docket

Questions presented (the petition's words)

25-840 INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS FOR ETHICAL CARE, INC. V. FERGUSON DECISION BELOW: 146 F.4th 841 CERT. GRANTED 6/29/2026 QUESTION PRESENTED: The "interest of parents in the care, custody, and control of their children □ is perhaps the oldest of the fundamental liberty interests recognized by this Court." Troxel v. Granville, 530 U.S. 57, 65 (2000). But that right is mere rhetoric if federal judges bar parents from court via a miserly interpretation of standing doctrine-a question, as three Justices recently recognized, that is of "great and growing national importance." Lee v. Poudre Sch. Dist. R-1, 607 U.S. --, 2025 WL 2906469, *1 (2025) (Alita, J., statement) (citation omitted). It is certainly important to Petitioners, who are parents of gender-confused children (including one child who previously ran away) and who do not wish to affirm that confusion. They challenged Washington laws designed to give runaway minors "gender affirming treatment" without parental notice or consent. But despite their being the challenged laws' target, and despite their alleging specific current harms and a substantial risk of specific future harms to their ability to parent, the Ninth Circuit held that Petitioners lacked Article III standing. The question presented is: Whether parents have standing to challenge a law or policy that deliberately displaces their decision-making role as to "gender transitions" of their children, and in so doing creates present and likely future impediments to their ability to parent their children as they deem best for them. LOWER COURT CASE NUMBER: 24-3661

Timeline (6 events, newest first; latest: Brief of petitioners International Partners for Ethical Care, Inc., et al. filed, 2026-09-08)

2026-09-08Brief of petitioners International Partners for Ethical Care, Inc., et al. filed.
2026-09-04SET FOR ARGUMENT on Monday, December 7, 2026.
2026-06-29Petition GRANTED.
2026-05-14Brief of respondents Bob Ferguson, et al. in opposition filed.
2026-02-26Response Requested. (Due March 30, 2026)
2026-01-07Petition for a writ of certiorari filed. (Response due February 17, 2026)

S.H., in the Interest of A.H. and K.W., the children v. Department of Children and Families and Guardian Ad Litem Review sought

SC2026-0470 Florida Supreme Court · Direct Conflict of Decisions · Review sought 2026-03-23; the court hasn't said whether it will hear it

AI summary of the decision under review. The court hasn't said which issue it would take up, and the docket is confidential. The Sixth District affirmed a termination of parental rights involving a child covered by the Indian Child Welfare Act. The only issue it addressed was the mother's argument that the Act's beyond-a-reasonable-doubt standard for the serious-harm finding displaces Florida's clear-and-convincing standard for the findings state law requires; the court held it does not, so each standard applies to its own findings. This is a dependency/TPR issue, and the opinion says the court affirmed in all other respects. The conflict appears to be over this ICWA burden-of-proof question.

Reviewing: 6D2025-1795

The docket

Timeline (1 event, newest first; latest: Review sought (Direct Conflict of Decisions), 2026-03-23)

2026-03-23Review sought (Direct Conflict of Decisions)

Statutes Chapters 39, 409, 63, 61, 743, 741 and 1009 · 0 bills

Statutes: bills in the Florida Legislature that would amend, create or repeal a section of Chapter 39 or 63, or one of the Chapter 409 or 61 (UCCJEA) sections here, from the Florida Senate's site (flsenate.gov), checked daily; and new laws that haven't taken effect yet. A bill drops off when it dies, is vetoed, or takes effect. Identical and similar bills (House and Senate companions) are shown together; the text is from the furthest-along bill's latest version.

No bill in the Legislature would change these statutes right now. Bills for the next session are filed starting after the November organization session; the regular session begins in March in odd-numbered years and January in even-numbered years.

Federal Regulations 25 C.F.R. Parts 23 and 63, 45 C.F.R. Parts 1355–1357, 8 C.F.R. § 204.11, 22 C.F.R. Part 94, 34 C.F.R. Part 690 and § 668.22 · 1 rulemaking

Federal regulations: proposed rules, interim final rules and final rules not yet in effect for the regulations on the Federal tab, from the Federal Register (federalregister.gov), checked daily. A rulemaking's documents are tied together by its Regulation Identifier Number. A proposal stays here until a final rule or a withdrawal is published, or for three years.

Reforming Federal Reporting and Assessments in Child Welfare Proposed

Health and Human Services Department · RIN 0970-AD32 · Latest: Notice of proposed rulemaking., 2026-10-05 · comments due 2026-11-04

AI summary HHS proposes to delete a set of title IV-B regulations in 45 CFR 1355 and 1357 that it calls outdated, superseded, duplicative of the statute, or burdensome reporting and administrative requirements on state agencies. It would move four of those requirements into the IV-E/IV-B plan requirements, and delete the regulation stating the principles of child and family services reviews, which it says only gives unenforceable recommendations.

From the Federal Register ACF proposes to remove regulations that implement title IV-B of the Social Security Act (the Act) because they are outdated and refer to dates that have passed, have been superseded by subsequent amendments to the Act, duplicate or restate requirements already in title IV-B of the Act or other Federal law, and/or impose administrative and reporting requirements on agencies that do not meaningfully support Federal program oversight and administration of title IV-B programs. Four of these regulatory requirements are redesignated to the regulations addressing titles IV-E and IV-B plan requirements. ACF also proposes to remove the regulation that articulates the principles of child and family services reviews because it does not prescribe any requirements that states and tribes must follow, but rather provides unenforceable recommendations, and to remove redundant cross-references.

Would change: 45 C.F.R. Part 1355 · 45 C.F.R. Part 1357

Documents (1, newest first)

2026-10-05 Proposed rule · Notice of proposed rulemaking · FR Doc. 2026-20329 · comments by 2026-11-04

1 other rulemaking on these parts isn't about dependency practice (reviewed).

Federal Statutes ICWA, Titles IV-B and IV-E (with ASFA, Fostering Connections and Family First), CAPTA, SIJ, ICARA, PKPA, MEPA, Pell Grants, McKinney-Vento, and the related acts · 15 bills

Federal statutes: bills in the current Congress whose text amends a U.S. Code section on the Federal tab, found with GovInfo's search of bill text, with each bill's latest action from congress.gov, checked daily. A bill lasts the whole two-year Congress it was introduced in: the 119th Congress ends January 3, 2027, and every bill it hasn't passed dies then (to go on, it has to be introduced again in the next Congress, under a new number). A bill that becomes law stays listed here until the U.S. Code text on the Federal tab includes it. The AI summary is written by AI and reviewed; From the bill is the actual bill text.

Social Security Act, Titles IV-B and IV-E (child welfare services; foster care and adoption assistance) 2 bills

Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act of 2026

S. 5146 (119th Congress, introduced 2026-07-28) · Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (2026-07-28)

AI summary Would require colleges taking federal student aid to let a student into campus housing when a Chafee Education and Training Voucher payment is late, to name a liaison for foster and homeless youth, to give them priority for campus housing (including over breaks), and to charge them in-state tuition at public colleges. (changes how it works rather than its text)

From the bill, Sec. 4(a) (B) will provide a means for students to access institutionally owned or operated housing if a student is temporarily unable to meet financial obligations related to housing, including deposits, due to delayed disbursement of vouchers for education and training made available under section 477 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677) or delays attributable to the institution. Full text

Would change: 42 U.S.C. § 677 John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood

Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act of 2026

H.R. 9960 (119th Congress, introduced 2026-07-27) · Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. (2026-07-27)

AI summary Would require colleges taking federal student aid to let a student into campus housing when a Chafee Education and Training Voucher payment is late, to name a liaison for foster and homeless youth, to give them priority for campus housing (including over breaks), and to charge them in-state tuition at public colleges. (changes how it works rather than its text)

From the bill, Sec. 4(a) (B) will provide a means for students to access institutionally owned or operated housing if a student is temporarily unable to meet financial obligations related to housing, including deposits, due to delayed disbursement of vouchers for education and training made available under section 477 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677) or delays attributable to the institution. Full text

Would change: 42 U.S.C. § 677 John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood

Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act 3 bills

Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act

H.R. 9878 (119th Congress, introduced 2026-07-22) · Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. (2026-07-22)

AI summary Amends CAPTA to add kinship and birth-parent representation on the advisory board, require kinship-first placement planning in state plans and grants, and fund kinship-caregiver training and services.

From the bill, Sec. 3(c) Section 105(a)(4) of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5106(a)(4)) is amended by adding at the end the following: "Such procedures used by recipients of a grant pursuant to this paragraph shall reflect equity for children placed with kin, recognize their unique circumstance, and include plans for prioritizing placement with kin as the first placement, identifying and engaging kin as supports for children throughout the child's involvement with the child welfare system, making it a priority to license kin as foster parents …" Full text

Would change: 42 U.S.C. § 5102 Advisory board on child abuse and neglect · 42 U.S.C. § 5104 National clearinghouse for information relating to child abuse · 42 U.S.C. § 5106 Grants to States, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, and public or private agencies and organizations · 42 U.S.C. § 5106a Grants to States for child abuse or neglect prevention and treatment programs · 42 U.S.C. § 5116 Purpose and authority · 42 U.S.C. § 5116e Local program requirements

Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act

S. 5065 (119th Congress, introduced 2026-07-22) · Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (2026-07-22)

AI summary Amends CAPTA to add kinship and birth-parent representation on the advisory board, require kinship-first placement planning in state plans and grants, and fund kinship-caregiver training and services.

From the bill, Sec. 3(c) Section 105(a)(4) of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5106(a)(4)) is amended by adding at the end the following: "Such procedures used by recipients of a grant pursuant to this paragraph shall reflect equity for children placed with kin, recognize their unique circumstances, and include plans for prioritizing placement with kin as the first placement, identifying and engaging kin as supports for children throughout the child's involvement with the child welfare system, making it a priority to license kin as foster parents …" Full text

Would change: 42 U.S.C. § 5102 Advisory board on child abuse and neglect · 42 U.S.C. § 5104 National clearinghouse for information relating to child abuse · 42 U.S.C. § 5106 Grants to States, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, and public or private agencies and organizations · 42 U.S.C. § 5106a Grants to States for child abuse or neglect prevention and treatment programs · 42 U.S.C. § 5116 Purpose and authority · 42 U.S.C. § 5116e Local program requirements

GUARD Act

H.R. 1866 (119th Congress, introduced 2025-03-05) · Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. (2025-03-05)

AI summary Bars any State from receiving CAPTA funding if it takes adverse action against or otherwise discriminates against parents or guardians who oppose gender-transition treatment or social affirmation for their minor child.

From the bill, Sec. 2 The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 3 the following: "SEC. 4. STATE GRANT REQUIREMENTS. (a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no State may receive funding under this Act if such State takes any adverse action or otherwise discriminates against parents, guardians, or legal representatives who oppose medical, surgical, pharmacological, psychological treatment, or other medical intervention, or clothing, name or pronoun use, or other social changes or practices related to transitioning to or affirming the claims or expressions of gender identity of any minor …" Full text

Would change: 42 U.S.C. § 5101 Office on Child Abuse and Neglect

Special Immigrant Juvenile status 6 bills

Stopping Border Surges Act

S. 5371 (119th Congress, introduced 2026-08-07) · Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (2026-08-07)

AI summary Would bar Special Immigrant Juvenile status unless a child's reunification with any parent or legal guardian is precluded by abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar cause under State law, and strike the 'not viable with 1 or both parents' language from clause (i).

From the bill, Sec. 103 in clause (i), by striking ", and whose reunification with 1 or both of the immigrant's parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis found under State law"; and … in clause (iii)-- … by adding at the end the following: "(III) an alien may not be granted special immigrant juvenile status under this subparagraph if his or her reunification with any parent or legal guardian is not precluded by abuse, neglect, abandonment, or any similar cause under State law;" Full text

Would change: 8 U.S.C. § 1101 Definitions

Permanent Trump Secure Border Act

H.R. 9773 (119th Congress, introduced 2026-07-20) · Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 16 - 14. (2026-07-21)

AI summary Strikes the requirement in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)(J)(i) that reunification with one or both parents be not viable and bars SIJ status unless reunification with any one parent or legal guardian is precluded by abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar cause under State law.

From the bill, Sec. 302 in clause (i), by striking ", and whose reunification with 1 or both of the immigrant's parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis found under State law"; and … in clause (iii)-- … by adding at the end the following: "(III) an alien may not be granted special immigrant status under this subparagraph if the alien's reunification with any one parent or legal guardian is not precluded by abuse, neglect, abandonment, or any similar cause under State law;" Full text

Would change: 8 U.S.C. § 1101 Definitions

Deport Alien Gang Members Act

H.R. 175 (119th Congress, introduced 2025-01-03) · Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 15 - 8. (2026-06-03)

AI summary Makes any alien who is or was described in the new criminal-gang inadmissibility or deportability grounds ineligible for any immigration benefit under the special immigrant juvenile provision.

From the bill, Sec. 2(h) Section 101(a)(27)(J)(iii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)(J)(iii)) is amended-- … by adding at the end the following: "(III) no alien who is, or at any time has been, described in section 212(a)(2)(J) or section 237(a)(2)(G) shall be eligible for any immigration benefit under this subparagraph;" Full text

Would change: 8 U.S.C. § 1101 Definitions

An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14. New law

H.R. 1 (119th Congress, introduced 2025-05-20) · Became Public Law No: 119-21. (2025-07-04)

Enacted. The U.S. Code text on this site (United States Code, 2024 edition) may not include it yet.

AI summary Adds a new federal fee, at least $250 and raised each year for inflation, that must be paid on every application for Special Immigrant Juvenile status, on top of the existing filing fees; the fee goes to the Treasury, not to USCIS. (changes how it works rather than its text)

From the bill, Sec. 100005(a)–(b) In addition to any other fee authorized by law, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall require the payment of a fee, equal to the amount specified in this section, by any alien, parent, or legal guardian of an alien applying for special immigrant juvenile status under section 101(a)(27)(J) (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)(J)). … For fiscal year 2025, the amount specified in this section shall be the greater of-- (1) $250; or (2) such amount as the Secretary of Homeland Security may establish, by rule. Full text

Changes: 8 U.S.C. § 1101 Definitions

Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act

H.R. 1050 (119th Congress, introduced 2025-02-06) · Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. (2025-02-06)

AI summary Makes any alien who is or was described in the new criminal-gang inadmissibility or deportability grounds ineligible for any immigration benefit under the special immigrant juvenile provision.

From the bill, Sec. 2(h) Section 101(a)(27)(J)(iii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)(J)(iii)) is amended-- … by adding at the end the following: "(III) no alien who is, or at any time has been, described in section 212(a)(2)(J) or section 237(a)(2)(G) shall be eligible for any immigration benefit under this subparagraph;" Full text

Would change: 8 U.S.C. § 1101 Definitions

Stopping Border Surges Act

H.R. 116 (119th Congress, introduced 2025-01-03) · Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (2025-01-03)

AI summary Would strike the parental-reunification-not-viable requirement from the SIJ definition and bar SIJ status for any child whose reunification with any one parent or legal guardian is not precluded by abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar cause, in effect requiring that neither parent be reunifiable.

From the bill, Sec. 103 in clause (i), by striking ", and whose reunification with 1 or both of the immigrant's parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis found under State law"; and … in clause (iii)-- … by adding at the end the following: "(III) an alien may not be granted special immigrant juvenile status under this subparagraph if his or her reunification with any one parent or legal guardian is not precluded by abuse, neglect, abandonment, or any similar cause under State law;" Full text

Would change: 8 U.S.C. § 1101 Definitions

Higher Education Act, Federal Pell Grants 3 bills

Higher Education Grant Flexibility Act of 2026

S. 5626 (119th Congress, introduced 2026-09-30) · Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (2026-09-30)

AI summary Treats a Pell recipient with a disability who has an approved reduced course load as enrolled full-time when calculating cost of attendance for the Pell amount.

From the bill, Sec. 2 Section 401(b)(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a(b)(2)) is amended… by adding at the end the following: ``(B) Students with disabilities.-- ``(i) In general.--In the case of a student with a disability … for whom a reduced course load has been approved as a reasonable accommodation … the student's enrollment in the reduced course load or 5 credits (or the equivalent), whichever is greater, shall be deemed to be enrollment on a full-time basis for purposes of calculating the elements of cost of attendance Full text

Would change: 20 U.S.C. § 1070a Federal Pell Grants: amount and determinations; applications

Pell Grant Sustainability Act

H.R. 1666 (119th Congress, introduced 2025-02-27) · Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. (2025-02-27)

AI summary Replaces the maximum Federal Pell Grant provision with one that indexes the maximum award to inflation (CPI) starting with award year 2025-2026.

From the bill, Sec. 3 Section 401(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a(b)) is amended-- (1) by amending paragraph (5) to read as follows: ``(5) Total maximum federal pell grant.-- ``(A) In general.--For award year 2024-2025 and each subsequent award year, the total maximum Federal Pell Grant award per student shall be equal to the sum of-- Full text

Would change: 20 U.S.C. § 1070a Federal Pell Grants: amount and determinations; applications

Pell to Grad Act

H.R. 1635 (119th Congress, introduced 2025-02-26) · Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. (2025-02-26)

AI summary Lets Pell Grants continue into a first postbaccalaureate program and raises the lifetime Pell limit from 12 to 16 semesters.

From the bill, Sec. 2 Section 401 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a) is amended-- … (B) in paragraph (5)(A), by striking ``12'' each place it appears and inserting ``16''. Full text

Would change: 20 U.S.C. § 1070a Federal Pell Grants: amount and determinations; applications

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, Education for Homeless Children and Youths 1 bill

Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act of 2026

S. 4976 (119th Congress, introduced 2026-07-14) · Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs. (2026-07-14)

AI summary Raises the share of McKinney-Vento homeless education funds a State may transfer for Bureau of Indian Education schools from 1 percent to 2 percent, allows the funds to be used for emergency housing for students, and adds a hold-harmless rule.

From the bill, Sec. 807 Section 722(c)(2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11432(c)(2)) is amended-- … by striking ``1 percent'' and inserting ``2 percent, subject to subparagraph (C),''; … may be used for emergency housing for students. Full text

Would change: 42 U.S.C. § 11432 Grants for State and local activities for the education of homeless children and youths

19 other bills name these sections but wouldn't change them (reviewed).