AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 14-09 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to interference with court-ordered parenting time; to create a child custody review task force; to provide for a legislative management report; and to provide a penalty.
Senate Bill 2186 aims to address the issue of interference with court-ordered parenting time in North Dakota. The bill mandates that if one parent is found to have intentionally interfered with the other parent's court-ordered parenting time, the court must provide additional parenting time to the affected parent. This additional time can be equal to or up to double the amount lost due to the interference and must occur within two years of the court's finding. The bill also encourages the use of co-parenting applications to facilitate scheduling and communication between parents.
The bill will amend chapter 14-09 of the North Dakota Century Code to include provisions for penalties related to interference with parenting time. It establishes a clear framework for courts to follow when such interference occurs, potentially leading to more consistent enforcement of parenting time orders. Additionally, the creation of a child custody review task force aims to address broader issues related to custody enforcement and violations, which may lead to further legislative changes in the future.
The sentiment surrounding SB2186 appears to be generally supportive, as evidenced by the voting history where it passed with a majority in both the Senate (27-20) and the House (84-9). However, there are concerns regarding the implications of additional parenting time and the enforcement mechanisms proposed, which have sparked some debate among legislators and stakeholders.
Notable points of contention include concerns from some legislators about the potential for the bill to complicate existing custody arrangements and the effectiveness of the proposed penalties for non-compliance. Critics argue that the bill may not adequately address the complexities of family dynamics in custody cases, while supporters emphasize the need for stronger enforcement of parenting time orders to protect children's rights to maintain relationships with both parents.