Bill > S00146

This bill prohibits courts in New York from ordering or allowing forensic reports as evidence in child custody or visitation proceedings. Specifically, the bill defines a "forensic report" as any evaluation prepared by a "forensic evaluator" (which includes mental health professionals, probation service employees, child protective service employees, or other court-authorized individuals) that contains recommendations, opinions, or conclusions about child custody or visitation. The bill amends the domestic relations law and family court act to explicitly prevent courts from using these types of evaluative reports in custody and visitation cases, effectively removing a tool that courts have previously used to help determine child custody arrangements. The law would take effect 90 days after becoming official, and it applies across different types of court proceedings related to children, including domestic relations and family court cases. By prohibiting these forensic reports, the bill aims to change how courts make decisions about child custody and visitation, potentially limiting external professional assessments in these sensitive legal matters.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S146