Bill > HB1309

This bill aims to enhance protections for individuals and children involved in family court cases, particularly during relationship separations, by addressing various forms of abuse. It expands the definition of "domestic violence" to include acts or threats of physical harm, property damage, stalking, sexual assault, coercive control, economic abuse, and human trafficking, and it clarifies "coercive control" as a pattern of behavior that undermines an individual's liberty and sense of self. The bill also introduces a presumption that allocating parental responsibilities to a parent who has committed domestic violence, child abuse, or neglect is not in the child's best interest, requiring courts to prioritize the safety of the child and the abused party. Furthermore, it mandates specific findings and conditions for parenting time and decision-making responsibilities when domestic violence is present, and it outlines requirements for domestic violence evaluations and treatment for offending parents. The bill also modifies provisions related to child placement decisions and the modification of parenting time, emphasizing the consideration of domestic violence evidence and ensuring that a parent's absence or leaving is not used against them in custody disputes. Finally, it adjusts the statute of limitations for civil actions related to domestic violence.