1 Child Protection Act; Appeals. Amend RSA 169-C:28, I to read as follows:

I. An appeal under this chapter may be taken to the superior court by the child or the child's authorized representative or any party having an interest, including the state, or any person subject to any administrative decision pursuant to this chapter, within 30 days of the final dispositional order; but an appeal shall not suspend the order or decision of the court unless the court so orders. The superior court shall hear the matter de novo, and shall give an appeal under this chapter priority on the court calendar. For purposes of this chapter, a "final dispositional order" includes a dismissal of a petition for abuse and neglect by the district court. "Final dispositional order" shall also include any ruling or order arising from an administrative hearing held or initiated by any administrative agency, including the department, in which a finding of child abuse or neglect is made.

2 Jurisdiction; Continued Jurisdiction, Modification; Obsolete Reference Removed. Amend RSA 169-C:4, III to read as follows:

III. When a custody award has been made pursuant to this chapter, said order shall not be modified or changed nor shall another order affecting the status of the child be issued by the superior court except on appeal under RSA 169-C:28.

3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect July 1, 2020.

1 Child Protection Act; Appeals. Amend RSA 169-C:28, I to read as follows:

I. An appeal under this chapter may be taken to the supreme court by the child or the child's authorized representative or any party having an interest, including the state, or any person subject to any administrative decision pursuant to this chapter, within 30 days of the final dispositional order; but an appeal shall not suspend the order or decision of the court unless the court so orders. For purposes of this chapter, a "final dispositional order" includes a dismissal of a petition for abuse and neglect by the district court. "Final dispositional order" shall also include any ruling or order arising from an administrative hearing held or initiated by any administrative agency, including the department, in which a finding of child abuse or neglect is made.

2 Jurisdiction; Continued Jurisdiction, Modification; Obsolete Reference Removed. Amend RSA 169-C:4, III to read as follows:

III. When a custody award has been made pursuant to this chapter, said order shall not be modified or changed nor shall another order affecting the status of the child be issued .

3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect July 1, 2020.