The proposed bill would amend current statutes regarding legal decision-making and parenting time proceedings by prohibiting courts from ordering a party to pay for any therapeutic intervention without their consent. This change aims to ensure that no party is compelled to finance therapy, treatment, or counseling programs intended to enhance or sustain parent-child or parent-parent relationships unless they agree to it. Additionally, the bill introduces a definition for "therapeutic intervention," which encompasses any therapy or counseling aimed at improving these relationships, including court-ordered behavioral interventions.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the admissibility of expert testimony in legal decision-making or parenting time proceedings. It stipulates that such testimony related to therapeutic intervention, child development, mental or physical health, domestic violence, or substance abuse is permissible if the expert possesses specialized expertise in child development and substantial clinical experience with children. The expert's opinion must also align with professional standards and established clinical theories. The bill also makes technical adjustments to existing language to ensure consistency with these new provisions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 25-407.01
House Engrossed Version: 25-407.01
Senate Engrossed Version: 25-419