Prohibits forensic child custody evaluators who have been terminated for cause from appearing as an expert witness in family court custody and visitation proceedings.
Summary
Bill S01667 amends the domestic relations law and the family court act to prohibit forensic child custody evaluators who have been removed from the panel of evaluators by a supervisory body from appearing as expert witnesses in custody and visitation proceedings. The bill specifically defines a forensic child custody evaluator and outlines the conditions under which their reports and testimonies can be excluded from court proceedings. This aims to ensure that only qualified and certified evaluators are allowed to influence custody decisions in family courts.
Impact
The bill impacts state laws by establishing stricter criteria for the admissibility of forensic custody evaluations in family court. It reinforces the integrity of the evaluation process by ensuring that only those evaluators who are currently certified and in good standing can provide expert testimony or reports. This change is expected to enhance the reliability of custody determinations and protect the interests of children involved in custody disputes.
Sentiment
The general sentiment around Bill S01667 appears to be positive, as indicated by the unanimous support during the Senate Floor Vote and the Senate Rules Committee Vote, both of which resulted in no opposing votes. This suggests a strong consensus among legislators regarding the importance of maintaining high standards for forensic evaluations in family court.
Contention
While the bill received broad support, there may be concerns from some forensic evaluators about the implications of being removed from the panel and the potential for subjective interpretations of what constitutes 'removal for cause.' Additionally, some stakeholders may argue about the impact this could have on ongoing custody cases where evaluators have been previously involved.
Prohibits forensic child custody evaluators who have been terminated for cause from appearing as an expert witness in family court custody and visitation proceedings.