Harrisburg, Pa. — New legislation that reduces the factors considered during child custody issues in family court from 19 to 12 has been signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro. Previously called House Bill 378, the law was created to reduce unnecessary burdens and redundancies in child custody cases.
The bill was enhanced with an amendment by Rep. Jamie Flick, Lycoming/Union counties, which requires the court to provide anyone named in a custody petition with a written copy of the new list of factors when decisions are made. The amendment received unanimous approval from the House.
“Everyone involved in these cases must understand what factors the courts are considering when making custody decisions,” Flick said. “This allows them to present relevant information and arguments. When both parties understand the criteria used by our courts, it levels the playing field.”
Flick, a fierce advocate for 50/50 shared custody, noted that once his amendment was added, it took just a little longer than a month for the Senate to unanimously pass the bill and for Gov. Shapiro to sign it.
“I am pleased the governor supports my amendment,” Flick added. “This fuels the momentum we are building toward reforming child custody laws.”
Flick’s own bill, House Bill 1499, aims to make 50/50 custody the default as long as both parents are deemed fit. The legislation currently has 27 co-sponsors with notable bipartisan support. Rep. Flick has also stated that he has received hundreds of emails and thousands of social media comments supporting the legislation.
“Republicans and Democrats are coming together on this issue because they recognize that custody decisions should put children first — not politics or outdated assumptions,” Flick said.
House Bill 378, now Act 11 of 2025, goes into effect later this summer.