SB 479
Requiring hair follicle drug testing of substantiated child abusers before restoring unsupervised visitation rights
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill requires a 90-day hair follicle drug test for parents, guardians, or caretakers who have been substantiated for child abuse or neglect before unsupervised visitation rights can be restored or children are returned to their care. It also mandates hair follicle testing for the children involved in such cases, particularly if the parent, guardian, or caretaker tests positive. The bill aims to provide a more reliable method of assessing a parent’s fitness to care for a child than urine or blood screenings, and to protect children from harm.
Key provisions
- Requires a 90-day hair follicle drug test for parents/guardians/caretakers after child abuse/neglect substantiation.
- Mandates hair follicle testing for children involved in cases where a parent/guardian/caretaker is substantiated.
- Specifies testing must occur before unsupervised visitation or returning children to the parent/guardian/caretaker.
- Requires testing within 48 hours of a positive drug test result.
- Addresses potential tampering with drug test results.
- Includes testing for intrauterine drug exposure in children under 12 months.
- Requires neurological examination for children exposed to drugs.
- Requires reporting of all test results to relevant parties.
Who is affected
- Parents
- Guardians
- Caretakers
- Child Protective Services
- Children involved in child abuse/neglect cases
Notable changes
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