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Bill > HB942
VA HB942
VA HB942Child abuse and neglect; custody and visitation, possession or consumption of authorized substances.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
02/11/2026
02/11/2026
Crossed Over
02/09/2026
02/09/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Child abuse and neglect; custody and visitation; possession or consumption of authorized substances. Provides that a child shall not be considered an abused or neglected child, and no person shall be denied custody or visitation of a child, based only on the fact that the child's parent or other person responsible for his care, or the person petitioning for custody or visitation of the child, possessed or consumed legally authorized substances. The bill directs the Board of Social Services to amend its regulations, guidance documents, and other instructional materials to ensure that such regulations, documents, and materials comply with, and that investigations and family assessments are conducted by local departments of social services in accordance with, the provisions of the bill.
AI Summary
This bill clarifies that a child will not be considered abused or neglected, and a parent will not be denied custody or visitation rights, solely because they possess or consume legally authorized substances, such as alcohol or certain medications. The bill also mandates that the Board of Social Services update its regulations and guidance to reflect this change, ensuring that investigations and family assessments conducted by local social services departments align with these new provisions. This aims to prevent the denial of custody or visitation based only on the legal use of substances, unless such use directly harms or risks harming the child.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Senate Courts of Justice Hearing (19:00:00 2/18/2026 Senate Room A, Room 305, General Assembly Building) (on 02/18/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB942 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB942) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1168667.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB942/text/HB942E |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB942) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1135404.PDF |
| Courts of Justice Amendment | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB942/text/HB942AH1 |
| Courts of Justice Amendment | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB942/text/HB942AHC1 |
| Civil Subcommittee Amendment | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB942/text/HB942AHC2 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB942/text/HB942 |
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