MO HB1758

Establishes new section 452.398 allowing non-biological parents with an established parent/child relationship to petition for custody or visitation rights if at least one natural parent is deceased, unknown, unavailable for one year, has terminated parental rights, or has not had an ongoing relationship with the child for one year.

Defines "parent/child relationship" as requiring the petitioner to have performed parental duties, provided basic physical needs and care, and developed a sustained relationship fulfilling the child's psychological and emotional needs for at least one year.

Requires courts to presume natural parents act in the child's best interests; this presumption can be rebutted by preponderance of evidence for visitation rights or by clear and convincing evidence for custody rights.

Prohibits consideration of race, ethnicity, or national origin when determining best interests of child, suitability of adoptive parents, or assessment of adoptive homes in adoption placements.

Specifies that courts shall not enter final custody orders involving military parents within 90 days of deployment ending, and that parental separation due to military deployment or employment shall not constitute grounds for custody changes.