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Bill

H 4622

Equal Parenting Act

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terry Alexander and 24 co-sponsors

South Carolina bill establishing parental equality standards in custody decisions; growing co-sponsor support indicates evolving legislative backing for family law reform.

Member(s) request name added as sponsor: Alexander
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 4622

Legislative bill overview

H 4622, the Equal Parenting Act, appears to be legislation addressing custody and parenting arrangements in South Carolina family law. While the full bill text is not provided, the title and sponsor activity suggest it focuses on establishing presumptions or standards for equal parental involvement in custody decisions. The bill has gained co-sponsors across multiple weeks, indicating evolving support.

Why is this important

Family law directly affects custody arrangements, parental rights, and child welfare outcomes for thousands of South Carolina families annually. Changes to custody standards can significantly influence how courts allocate parenting time and decision-making authority, impacting children's stability and both parents' legal standing. This falls within a broader national conversation about modernizing custody frameworks beyond traditional assumptions.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition of "equal": Whether equal parenting means 50/50 time-sharing, equal decision-making authority, or something else; one-size-fits-all approaches may not serve all family circumstances
  • Best-interest standard vs. presumptions: Tension between establishing presumptions for equal parenting and courts' traditional discretion to prioritize "best interest of the child" in complex cases involving abuse, neglect, or parental capacity
  • Implementation in unequal circumstances: How courts would apply equal parenting standards in cases involving domestic violence, substance abuse, significant income disparities, or parents living far apart

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

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