IMDMA-STEP-PARENT; COUNSELING

Amends the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Provides that "step-parent" includes a person joined in a civil union to a child's parent. Deletes language providing that: all counseling sessions shall be confidential; and communications in counseling shall not be used in any manner in litigation nor relied upon by any expert appointed by the court or retained by any party. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 750 ILCS 5/600 750 ILCS 5/602.9 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Provides that court-ordered counseling is subject to the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. Deletes language providing that: all counseling sessions shall be confidential; and communications in counseling shall not be used in any manner in litigation nor relied upon by any expert appointed by the court or retained by any party. Effective immediately.