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Committee advances custody‑law amendment after debate over Abriel's Law protections
Summary
SB 609 as amended asks courts to consider parenting time that provides meaningful, frequent participation by each parent as a factor in best‑interest determinations; sponsors and opponents stressed the amendment does not create a presumption or remove judicial discretion or abuse protections. Committee approved the amendment and advanced the bill.
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved an amendment to SB 609, clarifying how courts should evaluate parenting time in child‑custody determinations. Sponsor Senator Massey and other senators discussed public concern that the change might unintentionally weaken existing protections enacted under prior legislation (referred to in committee as "Abriel's law"). Massey said the amendment makes the parenting‑time factor "one factor" among many in the best‑interest analysis and does not elevate it above safety and abuse considerations.
Senator Harshbarger asked for clarification that the amended bill does not guarantee 50/50 custody or override judicial discretion; the sponsor affirmed that is correct. After discussion the committee adopted the amendment and voted to advance the amended bill to the calendar (recorded as eight ayes, one present not voting).
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