HB980Introduced in the House of Delegates
Family Law and Human Services - Guardianship Assistance Program and State Foster Youth Ombudsman - Establishment (Kanaiyah's Law)
Introduced by Michael Griffith, District 35
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
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Official description
Requiring the Secretary of Human Services to establish and maintain a Guardianship Assistance Program to promote the placement and maintenance of children in permanent guardianship homes by providing guardianship assistance to guardians of minor children; establishing the State Foster Youth Ombudsman in the Department of Human Services; requiring the Ombudsman to provide legal expertise in child welfare, custody and guardianship matters, and appeal and due process; etc.
Where it stands
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 158
April 28, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House of Delegates votes
1 recorded vote · each counted separately
Senate votes
1 recorded vote · each counted separately
SenateStage: Third Reading Passed · April 13, 2026
45
Yes
0
No
2
Absent or Not Voting
47 senators recorded in this Senate vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
See how each senator voted
| Senator | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Mike McKay | 1 | Yes |
| Paul Corderman | 2 | Yes |
| Karen Lewis Young | 3 | Yes |
| William Folden | 4 | Yes |
| Justin Ready | 5 | Yes |
| Johnny Salling | 6 | Yes |
| J.B. Jennings | 7 | Yes |
| Carl Jackson | 8 | Yes |
| Katie Hester | 9 | Yes |
| Benjamin Brooks | 10 | Yes |
Bill history
First Reading Judiciary
Hearing 2/26 at 1:00 p.m.
Favorable with Amendments Report by Judiciary
Favorable with Amendments {843124/1 Adopted
Second Reading Passed with Amendments
Third Reading Passed (127-0)
Referred Judicial Proceedings
Hearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m.
Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings
Favorable Adopted
Second Reading Passed
Third Reading Passed (45-0)
Returned Passed
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 158
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