Relating to: a presumption that equalizing physical placement to the highest degree is in the child’s best interest.

SB 161 establishes a legal presumption that courts should favor parenting schedules allowing children to spend nearly equal time with both parents, as this is presumed to be in the child's best interest. It directly affects family courts handling custody cases in Wisconsin, requiring judges to consider this equal-time presumption when determining physical placement. The bill adds a new factor (geographic separation) that courts must weigh when applying this presumption, and the presumption can be overridden if evidence shows unequal placement is better for the child. This change modifies how courts evaluate custody arrangements under Wisconsin Statute 767.41.