Bill > S08198

This bill modifies the Family Court Act to enhance child custody procedures in cases involving orders of protection by requiring courts to conduct comprehensive background checks before awarding child custody. Specifically, when determining custody during an order of protection, courts must now review multiple records, including the sex offender registry, the statewide computerized registry of orders of protection, court decisions from child protective proceedings, and any warrants issued under the act. The review is intended to ensure the safety of children by providing judges with a more complete picture of potential risks before making custody determinations. The bill mandates that courts check reports from the sex offender registry maintained by the Correction Law, the statewide order of protection registry in the Executive Law, and review related court proceedings and warrants. Additionally, the bill repeals a previous paragraph of the existing law, potentially streamlining the custody review process. The changes will take effect 30 days after the bill becomes law, giving courts and legal systems time to implement the new requirements.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8198