House approves bill letting parents seek voluntary commitment for minors for treatment

The House passed House File 2523, a bill authorizing a parent or legal guardian to have a minor committed for substance‑use or mental‑health treatment when the parent seeks voluntary treatment and the provider concurs.

Sponsor Representative Webster said the bill fills gaps that can leave parents without a path to obtain care for children in crisis and that the measure is designed to help families get treatment for children who may otherwise refuse help (SEG 551–556). Representative Johnson raised concerns about the bill’s downstream effects, arguing it could place burdens on courts, sheriffs and juvenile‑justice systems and urged further study (SEG 559–576).

Webster said the subcommittee held hearings and she consulted family‑law attorneys, concluding the bill was a measured step to ensure children receive needed care when parents and providers agree. The House recorded passage with a roll call reflected in the transcript (final tallies announced in the record). The measure will now proceed to the Senate.

Supporters framed the bill as a tool to get children to timely care; opponents called for additional work to address potential impacts on judicial and juvenile resources.