Arkansas HB1434: TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING THE PRESUMPTION THAT AN AWARD OF JOINT CUSTODY BETWEEN PARENTS IS IN A CHILD'S BEST INTEREST WHEN THERE IS DOMESTIC ABUSE

What the bill says

An act to be entitled an act to amend the law regarding the presumption that an award of joint custody between parents is in a child's best interest when there is domestic abuse; and for other purposes. subtitle to amend the law regarding the presumption that an award of joint custody between parents is in a child's best interest when there is domestic abuse.

From the introduced text:

An Act To Be Entitled AN ACT TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING THE PRESUMPTION THAT AN AWARD OF JOINT CUSTODY BETWEEN PARENTS IS IN A CHILD'S BEST INTEREST WHEN THERE IS DOMESTIC ABUSE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Subtitle TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING THE PRESUMPTION THAT AN AWARD OF JOINT CUSTODY BETWEEN PARENTS IS IN A CHILD'S BEST INTEREST WHEN THERE IS DOMESTIC ABUSE. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ARKANSAS: SECTION 1. Arkansas Code § 9-13-101(c), concerning the award of custody in a case concerning child custody or visitation when a party has committed an act of domestic violence, is amended to read as follows: (c)(1) If a party to an action concerning custody of or a right to visitation with a child has committed an act of domestic violence abuse as defined in the Domestic Abuse Act of 1991, § 9-15-101 et seq., against the party making the allegation or a family or household member of either party and such allegations are proven by a preponderance of the evidence at a hearing on the merits, the circuit court must shall consider the effect of such domestic violence abuse upon the best interests of the child, whether or not the child was physically injured or personally witnessed the abuse, together with such facts and …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Ashley Hudson (D, 75) · primary sponsor
• Missy Irvin (R, 24)
• Kendra Moore (R, 23)
• Tippi McCullough (D, 74)

Latest actions

1. May 5, 2025: Died in House at Sine Die adjournment.
2. March 17, 2025: Amendment No. 3 & 4 read and adopted and the bill ordered engrossed.
3. March 17, 2025: Placed on second reading for the purpose of amendment.
4. March 13, 2025: Returned by the Committee with the recommendation that it do pass as amended 3 & 4
5. March 10, 2025: REPORTED CORRECTLY ENGROSSED
6. March 10, 2025: Amendment No. 2 read and adopted and the bill ordered engrossed.
7. March 10, 2025: Placed on second reading for the purpose of amendment.
8. February 19, 2025: REPORTED CORRECTLY ENGROSSED
9. February 19, 2025: Amendment No. 1 read and adopted and the bill ordered engrossed.
10. February 19, 2025: Placed on second reading for the purpose of amendment.

Common questions

What is HB1434?

HB1434 is a bill in the Arkansas Legislature (95th General Assembly (2025 Regular)): TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING THE PRESUMPTION THAT AN AWARD OF JOINT CUSTODY BETWEEN PARENTS IS IN A CHILD'S BEST INTEREST WHEN THERE IS DOMESTIC ABUSE.

What does HB1434 do?

In its own words: An act to be entitled an act to amend the law regarding the presumption that an award of joint custody between parents is in a child's best interest when there is domestic abuse; and for other purposes. subtitle to amend the law regarding the presumption that an award of joint custody between parents is in a child's best interest when there is domestic abuse.

What is the status of HB1434?

Failed as of May 5, 2025. Latest action: Died in House at Sine Die adjournment. (May 5, 2025).

Who sponsored HB1434?

Ashley Hudson (D, 75), with 3 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB1434?

On the Arkansas Legislature website: https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R&measureno=HB1434