Committee approves strike‑all to let courts treat ongoing parental substance misuse as harm or neglect

The committee adopted a strike‑all amendment to SB 1002 that focuses the statute on substance misuse as a basis for temporary custody interventions. Sponsor Senator Gates said the change clarifies that evidence of acute or chronic parental drug abuse creating ongoing risk to a child's safety can constitute harm or neglect and would permit courts to order substance‑abuse assessment and treatment when investigations find harm.

The amendment moves relevant proceedings from chapter 751 to chapter 39 (as described in the amendment text) to align child‑welfare procedures and expands the definition of harm and neglect so that safety plans, services, and, when necessary, judicial intervention can occur earlier. Senators asked whether the bill addresses other conditions; the sponsor confirmed the strike‑all targets substance abuse only.

There were no appearance forms opposed; supporters waived in and the sponsor waived close. Nikki called the roll and CS for SB 1002 was reported favorably by voice/roll call.

Next steps: CS for SB 1002 is reported favorably and will proceed according to Senate scheduling.