Iowa HF2256: A BILL FOR An Act 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 the bill says

From the enrolled text, April 14, 2026:

House File 2256 - Enrolled House File 2256 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. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA: Section 1. Section 232.68, subsection 2, paragraph a, subparagraph (4), Code 2026, is amended by adding the following new subparagraph division: NEW SUBPARAGRAPH DIVISION. (d) If a child has a diagnosed behavioral health condition and, despite reasonable attempts, the child's parent or legal guardian is unable to provide necessary care for the child's health and welfare solely because the parent or legal guardian is unable to access appropriate behavioral or mental health treatment for the child, the department shall not consider the lack of provision of appropriate behavioral or mental health treatment as child abuse. This subparagraph division shall not be construed to prohibit the department from assessing a child's situation and facilitating appropriate intervention the department deems is in the best interests of the child. Sec. 2. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES ---- INCORPORATION INTO POLICIES. The department of health and 1198 human services shall adjust the department's child abuse House File 2256, p. assessment policies, including the department's policy manuals, to incorporate the provisions of section 232.68, subsection 2, paragraph "a", subparagraph (4), …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Health and Human Services · primary sponsor

Latest actions

1. May 6, 2026: Signed by Governor . H.J. 1166 .
2. May 6, 2026: Reported correctly enrolled, signed by Speaker and President, and sent to Governor. H.J. 1164 .
3. May 2, 2026: Explanation of vote. H.J. 1158 .
4. April 14, 2026: Message from House. S.J. 777 .
5. April 13, 2026: Immediate message. H.J. 887 .
6. April 13, 2026: Passed House , yeas 90, nays 0. H.J. 882 .
7. April 13, 2026: House concurred in Senate amendment H-8299 . H.J. 882 .
8. April 13, 2026: Fiscal note .
9. April 6, 2026: Senate amendment H-8299 filed. H.J. 821 .
10. April 6, 2026: Message from Senate. H.J. 809 .

Votes

• Passed House , yeas 90, nays 0. H.J. 882 . (April 13, 2026): 90 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Passed House , yeas 90, nays 0. H.J. 04/13 . (April 13, 2026): 90 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Passed Senate , yeas 47, nays 0. S.J. 724 . (April 6, 2026): 47 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Committee report, recommending amendment and passage. S.J. 605 . (March 19, 2026): 17 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Passed House , yeas 90, nays 0. H.J. 447 . (February 26, 2026): 90 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HF2256?

HF2256 is a bill in the Iowa Legislature (91st General Assembly): A BILL FOR An Act 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 does HF2256 do?

An Act 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 is the status of HF2256?

Signed into law as of May 6, 2026. Latest action: Signed by Governor . H.J. 1166 . (May 6, 2026).

Who sponsored HF2256?

Health and Human Services.

Where is the official record for HF2256?

On the Iowa Legislature website: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ba=HF+2256&ga=91