Acknowledgement of paternity; certain rebuttable presumptions relating to the best interest of a child, created

HB 18, titled "The Good Dad Act," creates rebuttable legal presumptions in Alabama family court cases involving child custody, visitation, and support when a valid paternity acknowledgment exists. It presumes joint custody is in the child's best interest, requires equal shared parenting time if parents live within 40 miles, and prohibits moving a child out of state without the other parent's consent or court approval. These presumptions can be challenged with evidence but include exceptions for cases involving domestic violence. The bill directly affects unmarried parents who have formally acknowledged paternity through the Alabama Office of Vital Statistics. It amends Alabama Code §26-17-305 and takes effect October 1, 2026.