HB 310 Summary

• Replaces "time-limited family support services" with "remedial services and rehabilitative programs" throughout child-in-need-of-aid statutes, and changes "reasonable efforts" to "active efforts" by the Department of Health and Social Services.

• Requires clear and convincing evidence from a qualified expert witness (not employed by the department) that a child would suffer serious emotional or physical damage if left with a parent or guardian before removal from home can be ordered in most cases.

• Changes standards for child-in-need-of-aid findings by replacing "substantial risk" with "serious risk" language and applies Indian Child Welfare Act standards (25 U.S.C. 1901-1963) to all child welfare determinations regardless of whether the child is Native American.

• Establishes expedited permanency hearing timelines requiring courts to hold permanency hearings within 12 months of foster care entry and within 30 days of temporary custody placement, with explicit findings required regarding likelihood of serious damage if child is returned to parent.

• Eliminates automatic grounds for terminating parental rights (such as 15 months in foster care or parental inaction) and instead requires case-by-case findings, while allowing termination only when the department documents a compelling reason or clear and convincing evidence of serious damage risk.