AB 651: Juveniles: dependency: incarcerated parent.

The bill aims to amend the Penal Code and Welfare and Institutions Code to ensure that incarcerated parents are given notice and the opportunity to be physically present in certain dependency hearings. This includes proceedings terminating parental rights or adjudicating a child of a prisoner as a dependent child of the court. The bill requires an incarcerated parent who has waived their right to be physically present to participate in the proceedings by videoconference if technology is available, or by teleconferencing if not. The bill also expands on existing provisions to include non-minor dependents and requires the court to continue the hearing if the minor was not properly notified or given the opportunity to attend. Additionally, the bill establishes procedures for reimbursement of costs mandated by the state, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains…