SS/SB 531 - This act adds a rebuttable presumption when determining child custody arrangements that an award of equal or approximately equal parenting time to each parent is in the best interests of the child. Such presumption may be rebutted as specified in the act, including an agreement by the parents on all issues related to custody or a finding by the court that a pattern of domestic violence has occurred. The General Assembly urges the court to enter a temporary parenting plan as soon as practicable in a manner that will best assure both parents participate in custody decisions and have frequent, continuing, and meaningful contact with their children.

This act is substantially similar to SCS/HCS/HB 229 (2019), SB 14 (2019), SCS/HCS/HB 1667 (2018), SB 645 (2018), and HCS/HB 724 (2017).

SARAH HASKINS

Statutes affected:
Introduced (3527S.01): 452.375
Floor Substitute (3527S.03): 452.375

---

Senate Committee Minutes:
SENATE COMMITTEE MINUTES Bill No.: SB 531
Sponsor: Wallingford
Hearing Date: 1/29/2020


COMMITTEE: Seniors, Families and Children

CHAIRMAN: Sater

DATE REFERRED: 1/9/2020 DATE HEARING REQUESTED: 1/16/2020



STAFF:
Sarah Haskins
Tucker Jobes


WITNESSES GIVING INFORMATION:
Jeremy Roberts - Americans for Equal Shared Parenting
Colleen Coble - MO Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence
Jessica Kruse - Individual


WITNESSES FOR:
Ken Goin - Individual
Linda Reutzel - Individual


WITNESSES AGAINST:
Amy Salladay - Individual
Carla Holste - Individual
Justin Murphy - Individual