This bill amends existing Iowa law regarding child custody proceedings by emphasizing the importance of a minor child's educational setting. It introduces a definition of "educational setting," which encompasses various types of educational environments, including public schools, charter schools, accredited nonpublic schools, and 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. A rebuttable presumption is created 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 access to the child during school hours, access to educational records, and decision-making authority. Notably, the bill clarifies that a parent does not have to have physical access to the child during school hours if the child is receiving private instruction. Furthermore, any parent with legal custody is required to provide a copy of the custody order to the child's educational institution.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 598.1, 598.10, 598.41