The civic record
Read. Follow. Verify.Alabama HB 570 expands guardian ad litem duties in child dependency and custody cases starting October 1, 2026
Last action · March 5, 2026: Pending Committee Action in House of OriginSponsor: Arnold Mooney
Track this bill to get notified when it advances a stage. One tap to stop, anytime.
What This Bill Would Do
Alabama lawmakers are expanding the mandatory duties of court-appointed guardians ad litem in child dependency and parental rights termination cases, requiring regular face-to-face meetings, document reviews, and active case monitoring beginning October 1, 2026.
Children in dependency and foster care proceedings will receive more frequent direct contact and active legal advocacy as guardians ad litem take on legally mandated responsibilities for reviewing medical, educational, and service records.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Guardians ad litem
Guardians ad litem face expanded statutory duties requiring mandatory face-to-face meetings, comprehensive record reviews, and active court participation.
Children in dependency proceedings
Children subject to dependency or termination of parental rights proceedings receive more frequent mandatory contact and documented review of their medical, educational, and living conditions.
Foster parents and custodians
Foster parents and custodians must communicate regularly with guardians ad litem and have their prepared reports subject to mandatory review.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
What records must a guardian ad litem review under this bill?
When does a guardian ad litem have to meet with a child and foster parents?
When does this legislation take effect?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
Follow the record
Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
2 actions- Mar 5, 2026HouseCommitteePending Committee Action in House of Origin
- Mar 5, 2026HouseIntroducedRead for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Judiciary
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
alison.legislature.state.al.us
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy15Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz20Current news / social attention level
Publisher tools