The proposed bill would significantly update current statutes related to legal decision-making and parenting time in cases involving domestic violence. It introduces definitions of "coercive control" and "domestic violence," enhancing the legal framework for addressing these issues. The bill mandates that courts prioritize the safety and well-being of children and victims of domestic violence, establishing a public policy that views domestic violence as contrary to a child's best interests. Additionally, it prohibits courts from requiring victims to participate in treatment programs with their abuser and requires specific written findings regarding domestic violence allegations before issuing orders related to legal decision-making or parenting time. Moreover, the bill removes the requirement for courts to evaluate the relevance of a parent's treatment program in relation to their history of domestic violence and modifies the factors courts must consider when addressing allegations of domestic violence. It establishes a rebuttable presumption against granting legal decision-making or parenting time to a parent who has committed domestic violence, which can only be overcome with clear and convincing evidence. The bill also emphasizes protective measures, such as supervised parenting time and confidentiality of addresses, to ensure the safety of both the child and the victim. Overall, these updates aim to strengthen protections for victims and children in domestic violence situations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 25-403.03, 25-404, 25-411, 13-3601, 36-3001, 25-403.02, 13-1204, 25-403.10, 8-201, 25-403
House Engrossed Version: 25-403.03, 25-404, 25-411, 13-3601, 36-3001, 25-403.02, 13-1204, 25-403.10, 8-201, 25-403
Senate Engrossed Version: 25-403.03, 25-404, 25-411, 13-3601, 25-103, 36-3001, 13-1204, 25-403.10, 8-201, 13-3602, 13-404, 13-406, 25-403
Chaptered Version: 25-403.03, 25-404, 25-411, 13-3601, 25-103, 36-3001, 13-1204, 25-403.10, 8-201, 13-3602, 13-404, 13-406, 25-403