AN ACT CONCERNING THE PRESUMPTION OF JOINT CUSTODY AND EQUAL SHARED PARENTING TIME IN MATTERS INVOLVING THE CARE AND CUSTODY OF A MINOR CHILD.

This bill establishes a default presumption that joint custody and equal shared parenting time is in the best interest of a minor child in custody cases. It directly affects parents, courts, and child welfare systems when determining custody arrangements. Courts may override this presumption only with clear and convincing evidence, and if they do, they must still maximize each parent's time with the child while prioritizing the child's welfare. The change shifts the starting point for custody decisions toward shared parenting unless strong evidence demonstrates it would harm the child.