Bill > A08407

This bill amends the Family Court Act to require additional record checks when determining child custody in cases involving orders of protection. Specifically, before awarding custody, the court must now review multiple databases, including the sex offender registry, the statewide computerized registry of orders of protection, court proceedings related to child protective cases, and all warrants issued under the act. The bill aims to provide courts with more comprehensive background information to help ensure child safety when making custody determinations. The existing law already allowed courts to award child custody to a parent or an appropriate relative within the second degree, but this amendment mandates a more thorough review of potential safety risks before making such awards. The changes will go into effect 30 days after the bill becomes law, which is designed to give courts and relevant agencies time to implement the new review procedures.

Education, Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8407