Bill > HB1255

This bill proposes several amendments to Tennessee child custody and domestic violence laws designed to provide more comprehensive guidelines for judges and clarify legal standards in family court proceedings. The bill expands the definition of "abuse" to include acts committed indirectly through third parties, such as family members or friends acting on behalf of an offending party. It modifies child custody considerations by requiring judges to include specific written findings about parental limitations when determining residential schedules and parenting time. The bill also introduces a rebuttable presumption that parents found to have committed abuse or domestic violence must be solely responsible for the costs of supervised visitation, ensuring that the non-offending parent does not bear financial burden for court-ordered supervised visits. Additionally, the legislation adds new factors for judges to consider in custody determinations, such as whether a parent has previously had custody reduced or failed to pay court-ordered child support. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to legal actions filed on or after that date, aiming to provide clearer protections and guidelines in child custody and domestic violence cases.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1255&ga=114