Allows a person a second hearing to seal their child protective services records
This bill allows individuals with child protective services (CPS) records to request a second hearing to seal those records after two years, provided they demonstrate a significant life change (such as completing substance abuse treatment, parenting classes, or mental health services) and have no recent history of child maltreatment. It directly affects people who previously had CPS involvement and completed rehabilitation services. The key provision requires submitting evidence of these life changes to the Office of Children and Family Services, with the second hearing request only permitted two years after the first hearing. The bill does not change existing sealing eligibility but adds this second opportunity under specific conditions.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Nov 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Nov 7, 2025
Last action Jun 1, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
A9244
→
A9244A
·
5 edits
MODERATE
This bill amends the law regarding second hearings to seal child protective services records by replacing the requirement for a 'significant change in life circumstances' with a broader standard of 'good cause.' It also introduces new procedural rules, such as a mandatory 90-day timeline for scheduling hearings and a requirement for the agency to provide written notice of the decision with a rationale. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of acceptable actions to include any service or intervention addressing the original finding, not just specific programs like parenting classes.
Scope change
The scope of eligibility for a second hearing was expanded from requiring specific life changes to allowing any demonstration of 'good cause' related to the substantiated finding.
ELIGIBILITY
Replaced the specific requirement of a 'significant change in life circumstances' with the broader standard of 'good cause' to request a second hearing.
Expanded the list of qualifying actions to include any service, program, therapy, or activity addressing the substantiated finding, beyond just specific treatment programs.
REQUIREMENT
Added a requirement for the Office of Children and Family Services to notify the subject of the hearing outcome in writing within 30 days, including the rationale for the decision.
Added a provision allowing a subject to request a subsequent hearing if their initial request for a second hearing is denied.
TIMELINE
Established a new deadline requiring the second hearing to be scheduled within 90 days if the request is granted.
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
6
Key actions
1
Committee
3
Amendments
1
Jun 1, 2026
Lower · Passed
AMENDED ON THIRD READING 9244A
lower
Mar 17, 2026
Committee
REPORTED REFERRED TO CODES
lower
Jan 7, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
lower
Nov 7, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
lower
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Andrew Hevesi
DDemocratic
Co
Demond Meeks
DDemocratic/Working Families
Co
Larinda Hooks
DDemocratic/Working Families
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