HI HB2096

Adds a new section to Chapter 587A requiring courts to determine whether aggravated circumstances exist at the return hearing in child protective proceedings, with specific procedures for each outcome.

When aggravated circumstances are found, the court must conduct a permanency hearing within 30 days and order the department to file a motion to terminate parental rights within 60 days, unless documented reasons show this is not in the child's best interest.

Allows the court to hold an evidentiary hearing on aggravated circumstances at any stage of the case before termination of parental rights, not just at the return hearing.

Clarifies that "torture" under aggravated circumstances incorporates the Penal Code definition (section 707-718) and does not require a criminal conviction for the court to make such a finding.

Updates the statutory citation for sex offender registry requirements from Title 42 U.S.C. section 16913(a) to Title 34 U.S.C. section 20913; effective July 1, 3000.