Bill > SB027

This bill, titled the "Parental Equality and Child Empowerment Act" or "PEACE Act," establishes a new legal presumption in Colorado that it is in a child's best interest to have equal parenting time with both parents. "Equal parenting time" is defined as a substantially equal annual allocation of a child's overnight visitations at each parent's residence, with at least 45% at each, subject to reasonable adjustments for school, holidays, or other logistical factors. This presumption applies if both parents live within 25 miles of a reasonable location determined by the court, such as the child's school or daycare. However, this presumption can be challenged and overcome with clear and convincing evidence demonstrating that equal parenting time is not in the child's best interest, with specific grounds for rebuttal including a parent's unfitness, history of abuse or substance misuse, or significant logistical barriers. If the presumption is rebutted, the court will then determine parenting time based on the child's best interests, always prioritizing safety, and must provide specific written findings to support its decision. The bill also allows for parties to agree to non-equal parenting time arrangements if the court finds them to be in the child's best interest.

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https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-027