AN ACT CONCERNING FAMILIES WITH SERVICE NEEDS.

HB 7071 redefines "family with service needs" to include children aged 7-18 who have run away, are beyond parental control, engaged in certain conduct, or are truant/habitually truant (with specific school defiance or sexual activity provisions). It requires parents/guardians to file written complaints with courts for such cases, triggering referrals to youth services bureaus or family support centers for at least 90 days of services. The bill prohibits dismissing truancy-related complaints filed in April-June and mandates educational evaluations for habitual truants. It directly affects children in these situations, their families, courts, and youth services providers. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.