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House adopts amendment and passes HB 270 to clarify mental-health practitioner appointments in parental-rights actions
Summary
HB 270 was amended to remove language that would require a different therapist at termination hearings; floor sponsor said the change reflects practice so the same qualified, licensed mental-health therapist can be appointed throughout proceedings; the bill passed 67–0.
The House amended and passed House Bill 270, clarifying who may serve as a mental-health practitioner in parental-rights actions and ensuring appointment of a suitably licensed therapist throughout proceedings.
Representative Mike Thompson, sponsor of HB 270, moved an amendment that deleted the words "termination of" in several lines so that the same licensed mental-health therapist could continue from adjudication hearings through any later termination hearing. Thompson said the change reflected his original intent and was suggested by Adam Trump of the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS). "This is actually the way I had intended this to begin with...that's why we put it for all of them," the sponsor said, explaining the amendment ensures continuity of care and avoids forcing a different therapist solely at termination.
Representative Arendt asked whether the wording change substantively altered the bill; Thompson and other supporters said it did not change the bill's substantive purpose and that the amendment was consistent with practice. With no further debate, the House adopted the amendment and then passed HB 270 by a 67–0 vote; the bill will be forwarded to the Senate.
Next steps: HB 270 advances to the Senate for further consideration.
