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A 2403

Provides that the issue of military deployment shall not be considered as a factor in the awarding of custody in marital actions where a suitable child care plan is presented

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ken Blankenbush and 7 co-sponsors

Bars deployment from affecting custody decisions if a suitable child care plan is presented, shielding deployed parents and stressing solid caregiving arrangements.

REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 2403

Summary of Bill A 2403

Overview and Purpose

  • Bill Number: A 2403
  • Title: Provides that the issue of military deployment shall not be considered as a factor in the awarding of custody in marital actions where a suitable child care plan is presented
  • Purpose: To ensure that a parent's military deployment is not used against them in custody determinations if they present a suitable child care plan. The bill aims to address custody decisions in the context of military service by prioritizing a prepared custody/child care arrangement.

Key Provisions (as stated)

  • Prohibition on Deployment as a Factor: In marital (custody) actions, the issue of a parent's military deployment shall not be considered as a factor in awarding custody when the parties present a suitable child care plan.
  • Condition: The protection applies when a suitable child care plan is presented during the custody proceeding. (The text provided does not include a full definition of “suitable child care plan.”)
  • Relationship to Other Standards: The summary does not specify whether this provision supersedes or interacts with other custody standards (e.g., “best interests of the child”); the provided information focuses on removing deployment as a factor under the stated condition.

Affected Parties and Impact

  • Primary beneficiaries: Parents who are currently or subsequently deployed military personnel, and their families.
  • Potential impact:
    • Reduces potential bias or penalties against deployed parents in custody rulings.
    • Encourages stability for children by recognizing planned child care arrangements.
    • Places emphasis on a credible plan for child care when custody decisions are made, rather than timing related to deployment.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduction: January 16, 2025
  • Status: Referred to Judiciary
  • Legislative Actions:
    • 2025-01-16: REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
    • 2025-01-16: REFERRED TO JUDICIARY (duplicate entry in the record)
  • Sponsor Information:
    • Primary Sponsor: Stephen Hawley
    • Co-Sponsors: John Lemondes; Brian Manktelow; Jeff Gallahan; Chris Tague; Joe DeStefano; Jodi Giglio; Kenneth Blankenbush
  • Related Legislation:
    • Prior-session bills: A 3787, A 325, A 1254, A 4079, A 6027, A 1614, A 1894, A 5762, A 1982
    • Senate companion: S 4619 (listed as companion)

Related Context

  • The bill has a companion or related measure in the Senate (S 4619), indicating cross-chamber consideration.
  • No fiscal impact or effective date is provided in the available information.

Summary in Plain Language

A 2403 seeks to ensure that a military deployment does not automatically influence custody decisions in divorce or separation cases, provided the parent presents a suitable plan for child care. The goal is to support military families by focusing on concrete childcare arrangements rather than deployment status when determining which parent should have custody. The measure is currently referred to the Judiciary committee, with a primary sponsor and several co-sponsors.

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

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