(a) Expedited hearing.--Upon motion of an eligible servicemember who has received notice of deployment in support of a contingency operation, the court shall, for good cause shown, hold an expedited hearing in custody matters instituted under section 4109 (relating to child custody proceedings during military deployment) when the military duties of the eligible servicemember have a material effect on the eligible servicemember's ability, or anticipated ability, to appear in person at a regularly scheduled hearing.

(b) Electronic hearing.--Upon motion of an eligible servicemember who has received notice of deployment in support of a contingency operation, the court shall, upon reasonable advance notice and for good cause shown, allow the eligible servicemember to present testimony and evidence by electronic means in custody matters instituted under section 4109 when the military duties of the eligible servicemember have a material effect on the eligible servicemember's ability to appear in person at a regularly scheduled hearing.

(c) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Contingency operation." As defined in section 4109 (relating to child custody proceedings during military deployment).

"Electronic means." Includes communication by telephone, video conference or the Internet.

"Eligible servicemember." As defined in section 4109 (relating to child custody proceedings during military deployment).

"Matter." As defined in 42 Pa.C.S. § 102 (relating to definitions).

(Apr. 12, 2012, P.L.241, No.32, eff. 60 days)

2012 Amendment. Act 32 added section 4110.