Bill > SB78

This bill amends several provisions in Pennsylvania's laws regarding child custody, with the goal of protecting the health and safety of children. Key changes include: - Expanding the definition of "abuse" to include stalking and excluding justified self-defense. It also defines "health and safety of the child" and "household member." - Requiring the court to include specific safety conditions, restrictions, or safeguards in custody orders where there is a history of abuse, including supervised visitation. There is a rebuttable presumption for supervised visitation in these cases. - Modifying the factors the court must consider when awarding custody to prioritize the child's health and safety, and prohibiting adverse consideration of factors related to the abuse. - Expanding the list of criminal offenses the court must consider when making custody decisions. - Allowing the court to appoint a guardian ad litem for the child if there are substantial allegations of abuse, and requiring the guardian ad litem to have specific training. - Authorizing the court to order the abusive party to pay fees, costs, and expenses related to the abuse. The bill also requires the Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Courts to develop an education and training program for judges and court personnel on child abuse, domestic violence, and their impacts on children.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2021&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=78