HI HB2491

Establishes a new "child custody fact finder" role with minimum qualifications including a master's degree in mental health, social work, or related field, or a juris doctorate.

Requires child custody fact finders to complete 24 hours of annual training covering child development, family dynamics, domestic violence, abuse, substance abuse, interviewing techniques, and court testimony.

Increases training requirements for child custody evaluators from their current licensing to 40 total hours, including 24 hours required for fact finders plus 16 additional hours in family violence, child abuse, assessment techniques, and related issues.

Requires child custody evaluators to have at least one year of experience conducting evaluations, complete three full evaluations, and maintain 8 hours of continuing education annually.

Establishes that child custody fact finders may conduct interviews, observations, and home studies but cannot make custody recommendations, create parenting plans, or conduct formal assessments.