AN ACT relating to domestic violence.

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.

Status

Engrossed

Passed its first chamber

Status date

Mar 5, 2026

252 days ago

Current chamber

Senate

Session

2026 Regular Session