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HB 6154

AN ACT CONCERNING THE USE OF "PARENTING TIME" IN THE GENERAL STATUTES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Weir

Connecticut bill replaces "custody" terminology with "parenting time" throughout family law statutes to modernize language and emphasize shared parental responsibility.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Judiciary
#custodyofchildren #generalstatutesofconnecticut #visitationrights
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Bill Summary · HB 6154

Legislative bill overview

HB 6154 proposes to replace the term "custody" with "parenting time" throughout Connecticut's General Statutes. This is a terminology modernization effort that would standardize family law language to reflect current practices and judicial preferences in describing parental rights and responsibilities.

Why is this important

Family law terminology shapes how courts, parents, and children understand parental relationships. Moving from "custody" to "parenting time" aligns Connecticut with modern family law frameworks that emphasize shared responsibility and the child's right to time with both parents, rather than winner-take-all language. This linguistic shift can influence judicial decision-making and reduce adversarial framing in custody disputes.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation scope: It's unclear whether this change applies only to new statutes or requires comprehensive revision of existing laws, which could create administrative burden and potential conflicts with prior interpretations
  • Legal interpretation concerns: Changing established terminology might create ambiguity in how courts apply existing precedents or how the change affects substantive rights versus mere nomenclature
  • Stakeholder resistance: Some legal professionals and parents' rights advocates may argue the change is unnecessary rebranding or worry it disadvantages certain parental situations (e.g., non-biological parents or those seeking primary residential arrangements)

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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