ID H0824

Establishes a presumption that substantially equal parenting time (each parent having at least 45% custody) is in the child's best interest, which can only be overcome by clear and convincing evidence of real harm or substantiated potential harm to the child

Requires courts to hold evidentiary hearings before restricting, suspending, or diminishing parental rights, with written findings issued within 14 calendar days identifying the statutory basis, evidence relied upon, and why less restrictive alternatives were insufficient

Limits temporary custody orders to 49 calendar days and ex parte orders to 14 calendar days, after which they expire unless supported by clear and convincing evidence at a full hearing

Mandates restoration of lost parenting time when abuse allegations are found unsubstantiated, including compensatory time equal to time denied, and requires courts to refer apparent custody interference violations to prosecutors

Applies to custody orders entered or modified on or after January 1, 2027, and establishes new definitions for custody terms including "substantially equal parenting time," "restoration plan," and "parental fitness"