This bill amends existing law to prohibit certain types of family reunification treatments as part of a parenting plan. Specifically, it disallows treatments, programs, or services that require or result in no-contact orders, overnight or out-of-state stays, a transfer of physical or legal custody of the child, the use of private youth transporters or agents that employ force or distressing circumstances, or the use of threats, coercion, verbal abuse, or isolation from the child's family or community.

Additionally, the bill mandates that if a parenting plan requires the parties to participate in counseling and they are insured, the court must consider a counselor recommended by the parties who is also a participating provider in the parties' health insurance network. The bill removes the previous language that allowed the court to select a counselor who accepts direct payment from the health insurance carrier. This act is set to take effect on July 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 461-A:4
As Amended by the House: 461-A:4
Version adopted by both bodies: 461-A:4
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 461-A:4