Georgia legislation · 2025-2026 Regular Session
Georgia HB1431: Child custody; presumption of joint physical custody in divorce proceedings; provide
Status: In committee, February 26, 2026
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 19-9-3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to establishment and review of child custody and visitation, so as to provide for a presumption of joint physical custody in divorce proceedings; to provide for exceptions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
What the bill says
To amend Code Section 19-9-3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to establishment and review of child custody and visitation, so as to provide for a presumption of joint physical custody in divorce proceedings; to provide for exceptions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
From the introduced text:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED To amend Code Section 19-9-3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to establishment and review of child custody and visitation, so as to provide for a presumption of joint physical custody in divorce proceedings; to provide for exceptions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA: SECTION 1. Code Section 19-9-3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to establishment and review of child custody and visitation, is amended by revising paragraph (1) of subsection (a) as follows: "(a)(1) In all cases in which the custody of any child is at issue between the parents, there shall be no prima-facie right to the custody of the child in the father or mother. There shall be no presumption in favor of any particular form of custody, legal or physical, nor in favor of either parent; provided, however, that, in a proceeding for divorce, there shall be a presumption of joint physical custody by the father and mother until such time as the matter comes before a judge for a temporary or permanent hearing, unless there exists a history of family violence or it is not practicable for the father and mother to exercise H. B. 1431 LC 44 3484 …
Sponsors
- Beth Camp (R, 135) · primary sponsor
- James Burchett (R, 176)
- Trey Rhodes (R, 124)
- Rhonda Burnough (D, 77)
- Mitchell Horner (R, 3)
- Matt Reeves (R, 99)
Latest actions
- : House Second Readers
- : House First Readers
- : House Hopper
Common questions
- What is HB1431?
- HB1431 is a bill in the Georgia Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): Child custody; presumption of joint physical custody in divorce proceedings; provide.
- What does HB1431 do?
- In its own words: To amend Code Section 19-9-3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to establishment and review of child custody and visitation, so as to provide for a presumption of joint physical custody in divorce proceedings; to provide for exceptions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
- What is the status of HB1431?
- In committee as of February 26, 2026. Latest action: House Second Readers (February 26, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB1431?
- Beth Camp (R, 135), with 5 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB1431?
- On the Georgia Legislature website: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73534
Source: official Georgia record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.