HB 309 -- Emancipation of Minors

Sponsor:  Dougherty

Under current law, there is no general statutory procedure
whereby a minor under the age of eighteen can be declared
emancipated.  This bill establishes a court procedure and lists
what information the petition for emancipation must contain.
The court must appoint a guardian ad litem for the minor and may
arrange for mediation between the minor and the minor's
parents.  The court may enter a temporary judgment of
emancipation that becomes final after 6 months, during which
time the court retains jurisdiction over the matter and appoints
a mentor for the minor.  After the judgment of emancipation
becomes final, the court retains jurisdiction over the minor
until the minor reaches the age of 18.  The bill also lists the
limited legal consequences of a minor obtaining a judgment of
emancipation.