Courts would consider as much time with each parent as practical

Courts would weigh the child's best interests, including as much practical time with each parent. This covers child-related decisions in the listed family-law cases, including custody decisions. In custody decisions, judges may consider whether each parent helps the child keep a bond with the other parent. For a parent without custody, a judge can restrict time after a hearing if it might endanger the child's physical health or seriously harm the child's emotional development. If passed, the direction to weigh practical parenting time would take effect July 1, 2026.

Courts would encourage parents to make shared plans and schedules for court approval. This covers parents making plans for time with their child in the family court cases addressed by these sections. If parents disagree on part of a plan, the judge must fill the gaps based on the child's best interests. If they disagree entirely, parenting-time guidelines apply. The judge must give specific reasons on the record for any schedule below the guideline minimum. If passed, these rules would take effect July 1, 2026.