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42 U.S.C. 678: Rule of constructionText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 42-THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARECHAPTER 7-SOCIAL SECURITY
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§678. Rule of construction

Nothing in this part shall be construed as precluding State courts from exercising their discretion to protect the health and safety of children in individual cases, including cases other than those described in section 671(a)(15)(D) of this title.

( Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531 , title IV, § 478, as added Pub. L. 105–89, title I, § 101(d) , Nov. 19, 1997 , 111 Stat. 2117 .)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 678, act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title IV, § 478, as added Oct. 22, 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, title XVIII, § 1883(b)(10)(A), 100 Stat. 2917, excluded from AFDC unit child for whom foster care maintenance payments are made, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 101–508, title V, § 5052(b), (c), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–228, applicable with respect to benefits for months beginning on or after the first day of the sixth calendar month following November 1990.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Nov. 19, 1997, except as otherwise provided, with delay permitted if State legislation is required, see section 501 of Pub. L. 105–89, set out as an Effective Date of 1997 Amendments note under section 622 of this title.