HF260 Summary

• Establishes the Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act (chapter 518E) to address custody and parenting time for military service members facing deployment lasting more than 90 days but less than 18 months.

• Allows parents to enter written agreements granting temporary custodial responsibility to the other parent or nonparents (like grandparents) during deployment, with agreements terminating automatically 60 days after the deploying parent returns from service.

• Enables courts to issue temporary custody orders during deployment through expedited hearings within 30 days, with orders automatically terminating upon the service member's return unless parties agree otherwise.

• Requires deploying parents to notify the other parent within seven days of receiving deployment notice and provide a plan for custodial responsibility; mandates notification of return from deployment within seven days of conclusion of service.

• Authorizes virtual parenting time through video conferencing, phone, email, and other electronic means as a supplement (not replacement) to in-person parenting time, with parenting plans to include virtual parenting time provisions if equipment is reasonably available.