Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation Monday to give neglected and abused children the right to participate in court hearings that will decide their future.
Assembly Bill 3051, by Democratic Assemblyman Dave Jones of Sacramento, targeted a system in which judges routinely make life-changing placement decisions for children they haven't met.
AB 3051 gives affected children the right to attend such proceedings and, if they desire, to address the court.
AB 3051 received no dissenting votes in the Legislature, but the state Department of Finance said it could increase court-related costs by $491,000.
Schwarzenegger, in a signing statement, said he expects courts and counties to implement AB 3051 without additional state funding.
– Jim Sanders, Bee Capitol Bureau
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