HI HB624

Establishes a presumption of equal custody and visitation sharing when parents live in the same county or school district, unless a parent is unable to serve the child's best interests or there is evidence of family violence.

Creates a tiered custody standard: equal sharing for same-county parents, presumptive equal sharing for different-county parents who would otherwise qualify, and best-interests determination for other cases.

Requires courts to consider frequent, continuing, and meaningful contact with each parent as a primary factor in custody decisions.

Maintains existing protections including family violence presumptions, supervised visitation options, and restrictions on custody or visitation for parents convicted of rape or sexual assault related to the child's conception.

Reorganizes and renumbers existing custody award criteria (paragraphs 1-19) while preserving provisions for child custody evaluators, guardian ad litem appointments, and electronic communication visitation.