Right to Representation Act

This bill amends part E of title IV of the Social Security Act to mandate that states guarantee legal representation for children and parents involved in child protection proceedings. Specifically, it requires states to implement policies and procedures ensuring an attorney is made available to provide independent legal representation to any parent or guardian, and to any child alleged or found to have been abused or neglected. This legal representation must be provided for the duration of any judicial proceeding concerning child abuse or neglect, including dependency, adoption, guardianship, or termination of parental rights cases. The bill clarifies that "independent legal representation" signifies an attorney-client relationship in accordance with state professional responsibility rules. The new requirements are set to take effect on October 1, 2026, with provisions for delayed implementation if state legislation is necessary. Furthermore, the legislation mandates that the Comptroller General submit biennial reports to Congress detailing the implementation of these new requirements regarding legal representation in child protection cases.