Bill > HB3437

This bill, known as Kayden's Law, proposes significant changes to Illinois family law regarding child custody, parenting time, and protection from abuse. It requires courts to carefully consider a history of domestic violence or child abuse when making decisions about parental responsibilities and parenting time. The bill mandates that courts appoint guardians ad litem who have received specialized training in family violence, and introduces more stringent criteria for restricting parental responsibilities when there is evidence of abuse. It establishes a rebuttable presumption that parents who have committed abuse should only be allowed supervised parenting time, with the type of supervision (nonprofessional or professional) depending on the severity and ongoing risk of abuse. The bill also encourages the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts to develop an ongoing education and training program for judges and court personnel on topics such as physical and emotional abuse, trauma, and the impacts of domestic violence on children. A key goal of the legislation is to improve court decision-making to better protect children's safety and well-being in cases involving family violence, drawing on research that shows children are at significant risk when courts do not adequately assess and address abuse allegations.

Justice

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=3437&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104