HB1704

House Bill 1704 amends existing Arkansas law regarding child custody and visitation for parents who are first responders. The bill expands the current protections, which already apply to members of the armed forces, to include firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and certified law enforcement officers. It prohibits courts from permanently modifying child custody or visitation orders solely based on a parent's work schedule as a first responder. Additionally, the bill directs courts to consider factors necessary to maximize contact between first-responder parents and their children, provided that such contact remains in the best interest of the child. It maintains the court's authority to evaluate temporary modifications based on the specific circumstances of the parent's occupation.