Louisiana Senate Bill SR143

Louisiana 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/29/24
• Passed: 5/30/24

Caption

Requests the Senate Select Committee on Women and Children to study a parent's right to equal custodial periods with their child.

Impact

If the study leads to concrete recommendations, it could enhance state laws regarding custodial arrangements by advocating for policies that promote equal parenting time. This could involve revising existing family law statutes to ensure that judges have clearer guidelines to allocate custodial time more equitably between parents. In turn, this might reduce instances where children are subject to alienation from one parent due to contentious custody arrangements.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 143, introduced by Senator Barrow, urges the Senate Select Committee on Women and Children to study a parent's right to equal custodial periods with their child. The resolution emphasizes the importance of maintaining frequent and meaningful contact between children and both parents, promoting the notion that equal custodial arrangements are in the best interest of children's development. The proposal aligns with and references Senate Bill No. 267 which focuses on child reunification programs aimed at addressing parental alienation and its effects on children.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR143 appears to lean towards promoting children's welfare through parental involvement. Legislators advocating for the resolution likely view it as a necessary step towards ensuring that children's rights to interact with both parents are preserved. However, discussions may reveal underlying tensions regarding parental rights versus child's best interests, particularly when addressing the complexity of custodial disputes.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between a parent's rights and the child's needs, especially in cases where previous behaviors may have impacted the custodial relationship. Advocates for equal custodial periods might face opposition from those who argue that equal time may not always be in a child's best interest, particularly in situations involving issues of past abuse or parental alienation. Therefore, the outcome of the study could influence how legislation addresses such complex family dynamics.