SF 2186: Relating to child custody and visitation for parents subject to 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.

House subcommittee · named March 3, 2026

• Rep. Helena Hayes (R) · helena.hayes@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. David L. Blom (R) · david.blom@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Angel Ramirez (D) · angel.ramirez@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 1 for, 0 against

For: Iowa State Bar Association

In plain words

1. February 4, 2026Filed in the Senate
2. February 4, 2026Approved by the Senate committee
3. February 23, 2026Passed the Senate, 47–0
4. February 24, 2026Arrived in the House
5. March 3, 2026House subcommittee named: Hayes, Blom and Ramirez
6. March 9, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
7. March 18, 2026Approved by the House committee
8. March 18, 2026Committee vote: 14–0