provide a rebuttable presumption in favor of joint physical custody of a minor child.

Summary

The bill would require South Dakota courts to begin any custody case with the presumption that the child should spend roughly equal time with each parent, unless evidence shows this is not in the child’s best interest. It applies to any parent who files a custody petition and would still let the court consider all standard best‑interest factors. The goal is to encourage shared parenting while preserving the court’s ability to protect the child’s welfare.

AI-generated summary — may be incomplete or inaccurate. Verify against the official bill text.

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