Exempting a parent’s or legal guardian’s inability to access appropriate behavioral or mental health treatment for their child from the definition of child abuse

Where it is now

1. ✓
   Done: IntroducedJanuary 12, 2026
2. ✓
   Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 12, 2026
3. ✓
   Done: House committeeJanuary 29, 2026
4. ✓
   Done: Passes the HouseFebruary 26, 202690–0
5. ✓
   Done: Senate committeeMarch 19, 2026
6. ✓
   Done: Passes the SenateApril 6, 202647–0
7. ✓
   Done: To the GovernorMay 6, 2026
8. ✓
   Done: Signed into lawMay 6, 2026

Signed into law What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

This bill relates to adjudication of a child in need of assistance due to the need for treatment of a chemical dependency, mental health disorder, or behavioral disorder. The bill allows a court to adjudicate a child in need of assistance (CINA) when the child requires treatment to cure or alleviate a serious chemical dependency or mental or behavioral health disorder that compromises the child’s safety or causes untoward aggressive behavior toward others in the household or the child’s community, and the child’s parent, guardian, or custodian (parent) is unwilling or unable to provide such treatment, or the parent’s efforts to secure needed treatment have been exhausted and unsuccessful.

From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Changed since by amendment S-5120; see Amendments. Full bill text · What changed before it passed

Senate subcommittee

Named March 4, 2026. On March 9, 2026 it recommended passage.

• Sen. Kevin Alons REmail
• Sen. Lynn Evans REmail
• Sen. Janet Petersen DEmail

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

Fiscal note

The introduced version of House File 2256 required a Fiscal Note which included estimated fiscal impacts. House File 2256 was amended by the Senate on April 6, 2026, and the Bill no longer requires a Fiscal Note. Source Department of Health and Human Services /s/ Jennifer Acton April 13, 2026 Doc ID 1604173 The fiscal note for this Bill was prepared pursuant to Joint Rule 17 and the Iowa Code.

• Child in Need of Assistance Adjudication, Serious Chemical Dependency · April 13, 2026
• Child in Need of Assistance Adjudication, Serious Chemical Dependency · March 13, 2026 · $155,000
• Child in Need of Assistance Adjudication, Serious Chemical Dependency · February 25, 2026 · $155,000

Nonpartisan cost estimates from the Legislative Services Agency’s Fiscal Services Division. The newest is first. Reading a fiscal note

Iowa Code it changes

Amends§232.96A

Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works

Family tree

Where this legislation came from and where it went: earlier tries, the versions it moved through this Assembly, and later bills built on it.

Earlier and later bills are matched by wording or an identical title; check the text to be sure it’s the same idea.