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House bill on shelter‑care hearings ignites heated debate over when courts may remove children
Summary
A contested substitute to HB 2660 — which would give courts clearer authority to require conditions and verify caregiver capacity at shelter‑care hearings — sparked sharp exchanges about the 'imminent physical harm' standard, verification of sobriety, and whether the proposal will prevent child fatalities or sweep too broadly.
The Appropriations Committee's extended Feb. 20 session featured some of the most emotional debate of the day over substitute House Bill 2660, legislation aimed at giving courts clearer authority to order conditions intended to keep children safe during shelter‑care hearings.
Supporters, including Representative Couture, argued that the current statutory standard — which requires proof of ‘imminent physical harm’ before removal — has prevented timely intervention and been tied to preventable deaths. Couture told the committee that the record of critical incidents and recent fatalities demonstrates a failing standard and urged lawmakers to give courts latitude to act sooner:…
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