SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5789

BYSenators Owen, Stratton, Bender and Rasmussen

Providing additional factors to be considered when reviewing permanent parenting plans.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 14, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Pullen, Chairman; McCaslin, Vice Chairman; Hayner, Madsen, Nelson, Niemi, Rasmussen, Talmadge, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Richard Rodger (786-7461)

                  March 14, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 13, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The domestic relations statute was recently amended to encourage parental cooperation through the use of parenting plans.  Each parenting plan sets forth a day-by-day residential schedule for the children.

There is a concern that the residential schedules do not provide flexibility for employment schedules which rotate or vary.

SUMMARY:

The court must consider each parent's employment schedule when setting a child's residential schedule.  The court shall make accommodations consistent with the employment schedules.  If a parent, due to employment reasons, cannot spend time with the child as provided in the residential schedule, additional time with the child shall be provided.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Senator Brad Owen (pro); Robert M. Rabelo, citizen