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SSB 1120

A bill for an act relating to services and support for youth, including treatment, physical assessments, and behavioral health evaluations; exemptions from children’s residential facility certification; the director of juvenile court services and chief juvenile court officers; and suspension of Hawki eligibility for public institution inmates.

2025-2026 Regular Session

SSB 1120 enhances mental health services for youth, streamlines juvenile court roles, and addresses health care for public institution inmates, improving overall support.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 474.
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Bill Summary · SSB 1120

Summary of SSB 1120

Bill Overview

Bill Number: SSB 1120
Title: A bill for an act relating to services and support for youth, including treatment, physical assessments, and behavioral health evaluations; exemptions from children’s residential facility certification; the director of juvenile court services and chief juvenile court officers; and suspension of Hawki eligibility for public institution inmates.
Status: Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 474.
Introduced: February 13, 2025
Classification: Proposed Bill
Subject Areas: Administrative Rules, Children, Health and Human Services, Juvenile Justice, Mental Health, and more.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of SSB 1120 is to enhance the services and support available to youth, particularly in the areas of mental health and behavioral evaluations. The bill aims to streamline processes related to juvenile court services and address the needs of youth in public institutions, ensuring they receive appropriate care and support.

Key Provisions

  1. Mental Health and Behavioral Health Evaluations:

    • Establishes standards for treatment and evaluations for youth with mental health disorders, serious emotional disturbances, and substance use disorders.
    • Defines key terms such as "mental health disorder," "serious emotional disturbance disorder," and "substance use disorder" based on the latest diagnostic manuals.

  2. Exemptions from Certification:

    • Provides exemptions for certain children’s residential facilities from certification requirements, potentially easing regulatory burdens while maintaining safety standards.

  3. Juvenile Court Services:

    • Clarifies the roles of the director of juvenile court services and chief juvenile court officers in overseeing youth services.

  4. Hawki Eligibility Suspension:

    • Addresses the suspension of eligibility for the Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (Hawki) program for youth who are inmates in public institutions, ensuring that their health care needs are considered.

  5. Record Check Evaluation System:

    • Implements a record check evaluation system for child and dependent adult abuse record checks, enhancing the safety and security of youth services.

Affected Parties

  • Youth: Individuals under the age of 21 who may require mental health and behavioral health services.
  • Juvenile Courts: The bill impacts the operations and responsibilities of juvenile court services and officers.
  • Children’s Residential Facilities: Facilities that may be exempt from certain certification requirements.
  • Public Institutions: Youth in public institutions who may face changes in their health care eligibility.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 13, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Health and Human Services committee.
  • February 18, 2025: Subcommittee recommends amendment and passage.
  • February 26, 2025: Committee report approving the bill, renumbered as SF 474.

Conclusion

SSB 1120 represents a significant effort to improve the support and services available to youth, particularly in the context of mental health and juvenile justice. By defining critical terms and clarifying the roles of various stakeholders, the bill aims to create a more effective framework for addressing the needs of young individuals in Iowa.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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