Bill > S01667

This bill prohibits forensic child custody evaluators who have been terminated from professional panels from serving as expert witnesses or having their reports admitted as evidence in family court custody and visitation proceedings. Specifically, the bill applies to licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers who have been removed from forensic custody evaluator panels by mental health professional certification committees or other supervisory bodies, have voluntarily stepped down from such panels, or have negotiated settlements that result in their removal. A "forensic custody report" is defined as any evaluation or assessment prepared by these professionals to help courts make child custody or visitation determinations. By preventing these evaluators from participating in court proceedings after they have been removed from professional panels, the bill aims to maintain the integrity and quality of expert testimony in sensitive family court cases involving children. The legislation will take effect 90 days after becoming law, and the chief administrator of the courts is authorized to develop implementation rules.

Education, Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1667