Committee hears bill to restrict emergency protective services to 'immediate or imminent' danger; measure tabled

Senate Public Health on Feb. 5 heard testimony on Senate Bill 230, which would revise the standard under which the Department of Public Health and Human Services may provide emergency protective services to only when a child is in “immediate or imminent danger of harm.” After testimony that included concerns from DPHHS and victim‑advocacy groups, the committee voted to table the bill.

Sponsor Senator Emmerich said SB 230 clarifies that the emergency‑protective‑services statute applies to exigent circumstances and argued the measure was intended to align the statute with current temporary investigative and removal authorities. “This just deals with the circumstances outside of that petition,” the sponsor said, adding the bill “emphasize[s] the fact that, this emergency…