Child abuse and neglect; custody and visitation; possession or consumption of authorized substances. Provides that a child shall not be considered an abused or neglected child, and no person shall be denied custody or visitation of a child, based only on the fact that the child's parent or other person responsible for his care, or the person petitioning for custody or visitation of the child, possessed or consumed legally authorized substances. The bill directs the Board of Social Services to amend its regulations, guidance documents, and other instructional materials to ensure that such regulations, documents, and materials comply with, and that investigations and family assessments are conducted by local departments of social services in accordance with, the provisions of the bill. This bill is identical to HB 833.

Statutes affected:
Senate: Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/10/24 24103005D: 16.1-228, 16.1-278.15, 20-124.2, 63.2-100
Senate: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB115ER): 16.1-228, 16.1-278.15, 20-124.2, 63.2-100