House committee substitute to the 1st edition removes the content of the previous edition and replaces with the following study. Makes conforming changes to the act’s long title.
Establishes the 13-member Study Committee on Domestic Violence Training Standards for Professionals Involved in Child Custody Proceedings Involving Domestic Violence and Child Abuse (Committee), tasked with serving as a study and advisory committee on the need for and feasibility of implementing statewide training for judges, judicial officers, parenting coordinators, guardians ad litem, family financial mediators, child custody mediators, and other court-affiliated personnel involved in child custody proceedings that include allegations of domestic violence or child abuse. Sets out provisions governing co-chairs, filling of vacancies, and quorum. Requires studying issues related to training requirements, content areas of the training, training providers, cost and funding, and an implementation model. Requires an interim report on the study by March 1, 2026, and a final report by June 30, 2026, to the specified NCGA committees.
Bill Summaries: H 896 JESSE'S LAW.
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Bill H 896 (2025-2026)Summary date: May 6 2025 - View Summary
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Bill H 896 (2025-2026)Summary date: Apr 10 2025 - View Summary
Enacts GS Chapter 50, Article 6 (Jesse’s Law), ensuring that professionals involved in domestic violence or child abuse cases receive training on the signs and impact of domestic violence and child physical and sexual abuse. Provides definitions for the Article in GS 50-111. Requires training for court officers and personnel, including those engaged in reunification treatment, in GS 50-112, including an initial training session of 20 hours and 15 hours of ongoing training every five years. Establishes requirements for the training programs, including being provided by a professional with experience in domestic violence or child abuse, relying on evidence-based research, and being designed to improve the ability to recognize and respond to domestic violence and child physical and sexual abuse. Requires the trainings to focus solely on domestic abuse and child physical and sexual abuse, long and short-term impacts of domestic violence and child abuse, victim and perpetrator behavior, cycles of violence, and scientific-based research including the Duluth Model, Saunders study, and Adverse Childhood Experiences study.
Directs the Administrative Office of the Courts or another appropriate state agency to apply to the United States Attorney General’s Office and other federal sources for grants to support the training program under the Violence Against Women Act.
Effective October 1, 2025.