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Committee hears bill to raise evidentiary standards in child-abuse proceedings; impact unclear
Summary
SB156 would raise the burden of proof for temporary and long-term custody and require beyond-a-reasonable-doubt proof to terminate parental rights; supporters called for higher scrutiny, while DPHHS and county attorneys said impacts on child safety and workload are uncertain.
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony on SB156, a bill that would raise evidentiary standards in child-abuse and neglect adjudications. Sponsor Senator Daniel Emmerich said the change would require clearer proof in temporary and long-term custody decisions and move termination of parental rights to a standard of proof "beyond a reasonable doubt." He argued higher standards are warranted when constitutional rights, such as parental rights, are at stake.
Supporters included Mark Mackin, who…
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