SF 2053: Relating to child custody for parents subject to short-term deployments

What it does

This bill relates to child custody and visitation for parents subject to short-term deployment. The bill defines “short-term deployment” as the movement or mobilization of a deploying parent for less than days pursuant to uniformed service member orders that are designated as unaccompanied, do not authorize dependent travel, or otherwise do not permit family members to accompany the deploying parent. The bill allows a deploying parent who is unable to exercise court-ordered physical care or visitation during a short-term deployment to make up the missed time days immediately preceding or days immediately following the deployment.

Senate subcommittee · named January 21, 2026

• Sen. Jeff Reichman (R) · jeff.reichman@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Kevin Alons (R) · kevin.alons@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Liz Bennett (D) · liz.bennett@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 1 for, 0 against

For: Iowa State Bar Association

In plain words

1. January 14, 2026Filed in the Senate and sent to the Veterans Affairs committee
2. January 21, 2026Senate subcommittee named: Reichman, Alons and Bennett
3. January 21, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
4. February 4, 2026Approved by the Senate committee, and given a new number: SF 2186