House Bill No. 1082, introduced by Tedford, amends Section 109 of Title 43 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which pertains to child custody determinations. The bill modifies the language regarding the court's consideration of a child's best interests by replacing "appears to be" with "is." It establishes a rebuttable presumption that joint custody and equally shared parenting time are in the best interest of the child when either or both parents request joint custody. The bill also outlines the requirements for parents to submit a plan for joint custody, including details on living arrangements, child support, and visitation rights, and allows for modifications to the custody plan if deemed in the child's best interests.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions that create a rebuttable presumption against shared parenting plans with a perpetrator of child abuse, domestic violence, harassment, or stalking, emphasizing the importance of the child's safety and well-being. It defines terms related to child abuse and domestic violence, and clarifies that a parent's absence due to domestic violence should not negatively impact custody determinations. The bill is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43-109
House Committee Substitute: 43-109
Floor (House): 43-109
Engrossed: 43-109
Sub Committee OR Policy Committee Recommendations (House) Policy Committee Recommendation: 43-109