HB 418

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 403 to prohibit the removal from custody or the reduction in parenting time of a party solely for improvement of relationship between the child and the other party where the court has made a finding of domestic violence or abuse; require the court to make considerations of scientific validity prior to ordering therapy for reunification; require orders remediating the resistance of a child to contact with a violent or abusive parent to primarily address the behavior of that parent; amend KRS 403.270 to require a court to consider allegations of domestic violence or abuse and make written findings on the record prior to consideration of other factors relevant to determination of custody; add malicious false allegations of child abuse as a factor to be considered in custody determinations; amend KRS 403.290 to require paid visitation supervisors and parenting coordinators in custody proceedings to receive specialized training; amend KRS 403.315 to provide for a rebuttable presumption that joint custody and shared equal parenting time are not in the best interests of the child where the court finds that a party has committed 2 or more acts of domestic violence or abuse against another party; require a parent found to have committed 2 or more acts of domestic violence or abuse against another party to undergo counseling or treatment prior to being awarded custody of a child; amend KRS 403.727 to require guardians ad litem to receive specialized training for proceedings involving petitions for orders of protection for minors; allow victim advocates to attend evidentiary hearings in orders of protection proceedings involving minors; amend KRS 456.035 to require guardians ad litem to receive specialized training for proceedings involving interpersonal orders of protection for minors; allow victim advocates to attend evidentiary hearings on interpersonal orders of protection proceedings involving minors.