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Bill > HB1499
PA HB1499
PA HB1499In child custody, further providing for definitions, for award of custody, for standing for partial physical custody and supervised physical custody, for presumption in cases concerning primary physical custody, for factors to consider when awarding custody, for consideration of criminal conviction and for parenting plan; and making editorial changes.
summary
Introduced
05/28/2025
05/28/2025
In Committee
05/28/2025
05/28/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Amending Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in child custody, further providing for definitions, for award of custody, for standing for partial physical custody and supervised physical custody, for presumption in cases concerning primary physical custody, for factors to consider when awarding custody, for consideration of criminal conviction and for parenting plan; and making editorial changes.
AI Summary
This bill proposes significant changes to Pennsylvania's child custody laws, focusing on establishing a presumption of shared physical and legal custody with equal parenting time as the preferred arrangement. The bill modifies definitions related to child custody, introducing concepts like "equal parenting time" (as close to 50/50 as practicable) and removing previous distinctions between primary, partial, and sole physical custody. For temporary custody orders, the bill creates a rebuttable presumption that shared physical custody, shared legal custody, and equal parenting time are in the best interest of the child. Courts must now provide specific reasons for deviating from equal parenting time and construct parenting schedules that maximize each parent's time with the child. The legislation also updates provisions regarding grandparental custody rights, requires courts to consider factors like past abuse and conflict between parties, and mandates more detailed parenting plans. Key changes aim to promote more balanced custody arrangements, ensure child safety, and encourage cooperative co-parenting, with the overarching goal of maintaining meaningful relationships between children and both parents while prioritizing the child's best interests.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (68)
Jamie Flick (R)*,
Marc Anderson (R),
Mike Armanini (R),
Jamie Barton (R),
Aaron Bernstine (R),
Lisa Borowski (D),
Danilo Burgos (D),
Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz (D),
Joe Ciresi (D),
Bud Cook (R),
Jill Cooper (R),
Mary Jo Daley (D),
Gary Day (R),
Russ Diamond (R),
Kyle Donahue (D),
Sean Dougherty (D),
Justin Fleming (D),
Paul Friel (D),
Jonathan Fritz (R),
Valerie Gaydos (R),
Mark Gillen (R),
José Giral (D),
Nancy Guenst (D),
Joe Hamm (R),
Keith Harris (D),
Rich Irvin (R),
Tom Jones (R),
Josh Kail (R),
Rob Kauffman (R),
Carol Kazeem (D),
Malcolm Kenyatta (D),
Tarik Khan (D),
Bridget Kosierowski (D),
Roman Kozak (R),
Andrew Kuzma (R),
Maureen Madden (D),
Abby Major (R),
Steve Malagari (D),
David Maloney (R),
Jeanne McNeill (D),
Tom Mehaffie (R),
Kyle Mullins (D),
Eric Nelson (R),
Jeffrey Olsommer (R),
Jason Ortitay (R),
Clint Owlett (R),
Tina Pickett (R),
Tarah Probst (D),
Brenda Pugh (R),
Jack Rader (R),
Brian Rasel (R),
Chad Reichard (R),
Nikki Rivera (D),
Brad Roae (R),
Leslie Rossi (R),
David Rowe (R),
Alec Ryncavage (R),
Donna Scheuren (R),
John Schlegel (R),
Craig Staats (R),
Michael Stender (R),
Paul Takac (D),
Tim Twardzik (R),
Arvind Venkat (D),
Ryan Warner (R),
Dane Watro (R),
Eric Weaknecht (R),
Dan Williams (D),
Last Action
Referred to Judiciary (on 05/28/2025)
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