(The Center Square) – One side of the Ohio General Assembly continues to push legislation for two-parent households in the state, while the other wants to revamp how the state handles children in broken homes.
The Ohio House of Representatives is moving ahead with legislation that would give tax breaks to employers who offer paid parental leave, and now has a Senate bill focused on revamping domestic relations laws to give both parents roles and responsibilities.
Sen. Theresa Gavarone, R-Bowling Green, calls the Senate’s legislation a way to modernize domestic relations with the focus on a child’s best interest.
“No one is a winner in parenting disputes,” Gavarone said in a release. “But if anyone is, it should be the kids. By passing this legislation, the Ohio Senate is taking the first step toward encouraging cooperation between separated parents.”
Her bill would change state law to show both parents have roles and responsibilities when they don’t live together.
It would also create a state policy to promote a relationship between a child and both parents, giving each parent time and roles in decision-making.
It would also encourage parents to work together and submit a parenting plan. Additionally, it:
• Prohibits courts from giving preference to a parent because of financial status or gender.
• Allows courts to restrict parenting responsibilities to protect a child from physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or a parent from domestic violence.
• With unmarried parents, gives an expedited hearing and temporary orders for a father upon determination of paternity and allows either the mother or father to file a complaint requesting the allocation of parenting rights and responsibilities upon the father establishing parentage.
• Creates other factors for determining the best interest of the child if a parent fails to comply with a temporary or other court order.
Reps. Josh Williams, R-Sylvania Township, and Melanie Miller, R-Ashland, opened the first House hearing for a bill that would give employers a credit of $54,000 a year or $300 per day, whichever is less, if they offer paid parental leave.
“Strong families are the foundation of a strong Ohio,” Williams said in a news release. “The Paid Parental Leave Act rewards employers who invest in their employees’ well-being and gives parents the time they need to bond with and care for their newborns. Supporting family stability and workforce participation go hand in hand.”
