The bill amends the Child Custody Act of 1970 by updating sections 6a and 7a to clarify the court's responsibilities and the rights of parents in custody disputes. It mandates that parents must be informed of their rights to joint custody and equal or approximately equal parenting time at the initiation of custody-related actions. The court is required to issue a notice to all parties involved, outlining these rights and the presumption that equal parenting time serves the best interests of the child. Additionally, if parents agree on joint custody, the court must award it unless there is clear evidence that it is not in the child's best interests. The bill also emphasizes that joint custody does not eliminate child support responsibilities and outlines the factors the court must consider when determining parenting time.

Furthermore, the bill introduces stricter guidelines regarding parenting time for parents convicted of criminal sexual conduct involving their children. It specifies that such parents are not entitled to parenting time unless certain conditions are met, including consent from the other parent and, if applicable, the child. The amendments also require the court to consider various factors when determining parenting time, such as the child's special needs and the likelihood of abuse. The bill aims to ensure that parenting time arrangements prioritize the child's welfare while providing clear legal standards for courts to follow.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 722.26, 722.27