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Bill > HF2256
IA HF2256
IA HF2256A bill for an act relating to adjudication of a child in need of assistance due to the need for treatment of a chemical dependency, mental health disorder, or behavioral disorder.(Formerly HSB 503.)
summary
Introduced
01/30/2026
01/30/2026
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill relates to adjudication of a child in need of assistance due to the need for treatment of a chemical dependency, mental health disorder, or behavioral disorder. The bill allows a court to adjudicate a child in need of assistance (CINA) when the child requires treatment to cure or alleviate a serious chemical dependency or mental or behavioral health disorder that compromises the child’s safety or causes untoward aggressive behavior toward others in the household or the child’s community, and the child’s parent, guardian, or custodian (parent) is unwilling or unable to provide such treatment, or the parent’s efforts to secure needed treatment have been exhausted and unsuccessful. Under current law, to be adjudicated a CINA because treatment is necessary, a child must need treatment to cure or alleviate a serious mental illness or disorder, or emotional damage as evidenced by severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or untoward aggressive behavior toward the child’s self or others and the child’s parent is unwilling to provide such treatment. The bill makes a conforming change by striking Code section 232.96A(13).
AI Summary
This bill expands the criteria under which a child can be declared a "child in need of assistance" (CINA) by a court, meaning a child who requires court intervention and services. Specifically, it allows a court to make this determination if a child has a serious chemical dependency (drug or alcohol addiction) or a mental or behavioral health disorder that puts their safety at risk or causes them to act aggressively towards others in their home or community. This is a change from current law, which focuses more narrowly on mental illness, emotional damage, or aggressive behavior towards oneself or others. The bill also broadens the reasons why a parent, guardian, or custodian (referred to as "parent" for simplicity) might be unable to provide necessary treatment, now including situations where the parent is unwilling, unable, or has already tried and failed to get the child the help they need.
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
Health And Human Services (House)
Last Action
Introduced, placed on calendar. H.J. 190. (on 01/30/2026)
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://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF2256 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF2256.html |
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