HB 418: AN ACT relating to domestic violence.

Official summary

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

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 403 to prohibit the removal from custody or the reduction in parenting time of a party solely for improvement of relationship between the child and the other party where the court has made a finding of domestic violence or abuse; require the court to make considerations of scientific validity prior to ordering therapy for reunification; require orders remediating the resistance of a child to contact with a violent or abusive parent to primarily address the behavior of that parent; amend KRS 403.270 to require a court to consider allegations of domestic violence or abuse and make written findings on the record prior to consideration of other factors relevant to determination of custody; add malicious false allegations of child abuse as a factor to be considered in custody determinations; amend KRS 403.290 to require paid visitation supervisors and parenting coordinators in custody proceedings to receive specialized training; amend KRS 403.315 to provide for a rebuttable presumption that joint custody and shared equal parenting time are not in the best interests of the child where the court finds that a party has committed 2 or more acts of domestic violence or abuse against another party; require a parent found to have committed 2 or more acts of domestic violence or abuse against another party to undergo counseling or treatment prior to being awarded custody of a child; amend KRS 403.727 to require guardians ad litem to receive specialized training for proceedings involving petitions for orders of protection for minors; allow victim advocates to attend evidentiary hearings in orders of protection proceedings involving minors; amend KRS 456.035 to require guardians ad litem to receive specialized training for proceedings involving interpersonal orders of protection for minors; allow victim advocates to attend evidentiary hearings on interpersonal orders of protection proceedings involving minors.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 2 · Republican 3

“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. March 25, 2026returned to Committee on Committees (S)
2. March 25, 20261st reading
3. March 25, 2026taken from Committee on Committees (S)
4. March 5, 2026to Committee on Committees (S)
5. March 5, 2026received in Senate
6. March 4, 20263rd reading, passed 96-1 with Committee Substitute (1)
7. March 3, 2026posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Wednesday, March 04 2026
8. February 27, 20262nd reading, to Rules
9. February 26, 2026reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar with Committee Substitute (1)
10. January 23, 2026to Families & Children (H)
11. January 15, 2026to Committee on Committees (H)
12. January 15, 2026introduced in House