HB 1851 Summary

• Requires child custody evaluators (licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, and court-approved fact-finding investigators) to complete a 3-hour minimum training course on domestic violence issues every 3 years.

• Establishes that the Family Court must approve domestic violence training courses and maintain a publicly accessible list of approved courses on the Judiciary website.

• Applies training requirement to all persons seeking to act or continue acting as child custody evaluators under Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 571-46.4, effective upon approval.

• Maintains existing provisions for appointing child custody evaluators, complaint processes, and referrals to appropriate licensing authorities for licensed professionals.