The bill amends section 3109.042 of the Revised Code to revise the laws governing child custody for unwed parents. It establishes a rebuttable presumption that an unmarried female who gives birth is the sole residential parent and legal custodian of the child until a court designates otherwise. The bill emphasizes that both parents should be treated equally when determining custody. It also outlines the conditions under which the presumption can be rebutted, specifically if the natural father establishes a parent-child relationship through specified methods or a lawfully executed birth certificate.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that upon rebuttal of the presumption, both parents will have equal rights and responsibilities regarding parenting time, unless they cannot agree on custody arrangements, in which case judicial proceedings may be initiated. It also includes provisions that prevent any unmarried parent convicted of rape or sexual battery from being designated as a residential parent or legal custodian of the child born from such acts. The existing section 3109.042 is repealed, and new legal language is inserted to clarify these changes.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3109.042