Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding child custody to emphasize equal, shared parenting time.

The proposed legislation clarifies the existing guidance provided to family law judges with regards to child custody. By providing a clear starting point in custody cases - a rebuttable presumption of equal shared parenting for willing, fit, and able parents - custody decisions in Idaho will be more consistent, fair, and in the best interest of the child. The proposed legislation clarifies and expands factors to consider when determining what is in the best interest of the children. This provides the court with greater insight into each individual custody case to ensure that the need of the child to have a regular, consistent, stable and meaningful relationships with each parent is met. To ensure the healthiest environment for the child the proposed legislation expands the list of exceptions for extreme situations. The current statute contains an exceptiononlyfordomesticviolence. Thislegislationaddsexceptionswhenaparentisfoundtohaveabused a child or if a parent is found to have committed custodial interference.