SB224

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

Chamber Passed·2/18/26
Introduced Text

South Dakota SB224 establishes a rebuttable presumption favoring joint physical custody in custody disputes.

South Dakota SB224 amends the state's custody laws to establish a rebuttable presumption in favor of joint physical custody for minor children in custody disputes. The bill defines joint physical custody as a division of time with the child that is approximately and reasonably equal for each parent. The court must consider this presumption unless both parents waive it or stipulate to different terms. The court must still determine the best interests of the child based on specific factors.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Last
Passed the Senate · 12–0 · Feb 18
Current
The House
Next
House floor vote

Sponsors

0
1
R
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

12 Yea

RRRRDRRRRRRR

0 Nay

1 Absent

R

Calendar

Mar 4

12:00 AM

House Judiciary Hearing

Feb 17

12:00 AM

Senate Judiciary Hearing

History

Mar 4

House

Scheduled for hearing

Mar 4

House

Judiciary Deferred to the 41st legislative day, Passed, YEAS 12, NAYS 0.

Feb 23

House

Referred to House Judiciary H.J. 417