A bill for an act establishing the state public defender’s pilot project to implement innovative models of child welfare legal representation as the project to preserve families.

This bill establishes a permanent legal representation program called "Project to Preserve Families" administered by Iowa's State Public Defender. It directly affects families involved in the state's child welfare system by providing innovative legal support to help preserve family units. Key provisions allow the State Public Defender to implement this program statewide (not limited to 16 counties), appoint attorneys before formal court proceedings, and coordinate with other agencies to study outcomes. The program aims to reduce trauma for children, achieve better family outcomes, and deliver cost savings to communities. It expires June 30, 2025, as a pilot project under current law but becomes permanent under this bill.