HB 5178

Creates the Supervised Parenting Safety and Fairness Act. Makes legislative findings. Requires that before a court may order supervised parenting time, it must determine whether qualified supervisors are reasonably available within the child's geographic area and shall document the inquiry. Requires that if supervision is warranted, the court may not order or permit unsupervised parenting time solely because no qualified supervisor is available. Provides that if no qualified supervisor is available, the court shall maintain the restriction on unsupervised parenting time and order one or more statutorily authorized alternatives, including temporary suspension of in-person parenting time, virtual contact, therapeutic supervised contact, or other protective measures necessary to ensure safety. Provides a rebuttable presumption of supervised parenting time: (1) in any case in which that parent has committed abuse against the child or the other parent based on a preponderance of the evidence; (2) when the other parent has an active order of protection against the parent in question which has been upheld or extended after a hearing. Provides that evidence of abuse may not be given weight if it appears more probable than not to be manufactured or the product of coaching or fabricated, unless and until it can be independently corroborated.