HI SB2090

Expands eligibility for child custody evaluators by adding licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs) under chapter 453D to the list of qualified professionals who may be appointed by family courts.

Amends Section 571-46.4 of Hawaii Revised Statutes to include LMHCs alongside currently authorized evaluators: marriage and family therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and clinical social workers.

Addresses significant backlogs and extended wait times for child custody evaluations caused by a limited pool of qualified evaluators across Hawaii.

Aims to reduce costs of custody evaluations, which have become prohibitively expensive for many families due to restricted supply of evaluators, creating inequities in family court proceedings.

Takes effect July 1, 2026.