HSB 503: Relating 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

What it does

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.

House subcommittee · named January 12, 2026

• Rep. Ann Meyer (R) · ann.meyer@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Chad Ingels (R) · chad.ingels@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Rob Johnson (D) · rob.johnson@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 7 for, 0 against

For: Iowa Association of School Boards; Iowa Integrated Health Planning and Advisory Council; Iowa Mental Health Advocacy; Iowa State Bar Association; Rural School Advocates of Iowa; School Administrators of Iowa; Urban Education Network of Iowa

In plain words

1. January 12, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Health and Human Services committee
2. January 12, 2026House subcommittee named: Meyer, A., Ingels, Johnson and R
3. January 15, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. January 29, 2026Approved by the House committee
5. January 29, 2026Committee vote: 12–5
6. January 30, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2256