HB 1309: Abuse in Cases of Separation

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

The act clarifies that, for the purposes of the 'Uniform Dissolution of Marriage Act', domestic violence includes specified acts or threatened acts of harm or property damage against a family or household member; and clarifies that the conduct in the definition of domestic violence is domestic violence regardless of whether it constitutes a criminal offense. A person's protective behaviors do not constitute domestic violence.     For purposes of determining the allocation of parental responsibilities based on the best interests of the child, the act requires that for any evidence submitted to the court concerning whether a party has committed domestic violence, child abuse or neglect, or sexual assault that resulted in the conception of a child, the court may consider any relevant and admissible evidence, and the court shall make findings on the record by a preponderance of the evidence whether the party has committed domestic violence, child abuse or neglect, or sexual assault that resulted in the conception of a child.     If the court determines by a preponderance of the evidence that a party has committed domestic violence, child abuse or neglect, or sexual assault that resulted in the conception of a child, the act outlines the considerations that the court must undertake when determining decision-making responsibility and parenting time.     Under current law, prior to a court ordering a party accused of domestic violence or child abuse to take steps to improve a relationship with a protected party, a mental health professional who is approved by the domestic violence offender management board must verify the accused party's behavior. Instead, the act requires that the accused party participate in treatment with a mental health professional who holds a master's or doctoral degree and a mental health professional license and has specialized training and expertise in treating survivors and perpetrators of domestic violence and child abuse and the effects of domestic violence and child abuse.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 20

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. May 27, 2026Governor Signed
2. May 21, 2026Signed by the Speaker of the House
3. May 21, 2026Signed by the President of the Senate
4. May 21, 2026Sent to the Governor
5. May 13, 2026Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
6. May 13, 2026House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
7. May 12, 2026Senate Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee
8. May 11, 2026Senate Second Reading Special Order - Laid Over Daily - No Amendments
9. May 7, 2026Introduced In Senate - Assigned to State, Veterans, & Military Affairs
10. May 7, 2026Senate Committee on State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Refer Amended to Senate Committee of the Whole
11. May 6, 2026House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
12. May 5, 2026House Committee on Appropriations Refer Amended to House Committee of the Whole

Showing 12 most recent of 15 actions. Full history