Relates to the right to counsel in certain family court proceedings

Relates to the right to counsel in certain family court proceedings regarding violations of orders of child support and to establish paternity or parentage in the family court.

VETO MESSAGE - No. 98 TO THE SENATE: I am returning herewith, without my approval, the following bill: Senate Bill Number 8197, entitled: "AN ACT to amend the family court act, in relation to the right to counsel in proceedings regarding violations of orders of child support and to establish paternity or parentage in the family court" NOT APPROVED This bill would expand the right to assigned counsel in Family Court proceedings regarding paternity, parentage, and child support. I support the sponsors' goal of expanding access to counsel for litigants assert- ing and defending their fundamental interests and rights, and I recog- nize that having all parties represented by counsel can promote the efficient and effective resolution of these cases. This bill does not provide state funding to help counties meet the requirements of the law, however. Due to the significant investment of resource...