This bill amends existing Iowa law regarding child custody proceedings by introducing specific considerations related to a minor child's educational setting. It defines "educational setting" as the type of educational environment rather than a specific school, encompassing public schools, accredited nonpublic schools, and various forms of private instruction. The bill establishes that if parents disagree on a child's educational setting, the court must consider this aspect when making temporary custody orders or awarding joint legal custody. There is a rebuttable presumption that it is in the child's best interest to remain in the educational setting they were enrolled in during the previous school year, which can only be overturned by a preponderance of evidence.

Additionally, the bill mandates that all custody orders specify the rights and responsibilities of each parent concerning the child's educational setting. It outlines minimum requirements for these orders, including parental rights regarding access to the child during school hours and decision-making authority. However, it clarifies that a parent cannot be required to have physical access to the child during school hours if the child is receiving competent private instruction. Finally, any parent with legal custody must provide a copy of the custody order to the child's educational setting and school district.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 598.1, 598.10, 598.41