The Bill Spill

HR 8460

In May, the House of Representatives introduced a bill titled the Court Improvement Program Enhancement Act of 2024. The bill focuses on advancing the technology used within courts and modernizing mechanisms for the child welfare system. It looks to improve the outcome of children and families by protecting the courts from natural disasters, cyberattacks, or public health crises. It would also open up funds for remote hearing technology and as a result improve legal services. The bill is still in its early stages and has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

HR 8813

HR 8813 or Family Poverty is Not Child Neglect Act looks to address how poverty-related issues are often mistaken as child neglect in child welfare cases. The bill seeks to ensure that children are not unnecessarily separated from their families due to financial hardships. The bill also emphasizes that poverty alone does not equal neglect. In addressing the distinction between neglect and poverty, the bill intends to reduce the impact on low-income families and prioritize other resources to help address problems like housing instability and food insecurity. The bill is still in its early stages and has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.