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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 26, 2024 07:05 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Joseph D'Orsie |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Expanding Grandparents Visitation Rights in PA |
| In the near future, I intend to introduce legislation to expand the circumstances under which a grandparent may seek visitation rights with a grandchild. In cases where parents are unable to maintain a stable relationship with their child or each other, grandparents can often provide a neutral and loving environment for the child. When a parent is absent (e.g. incarceration, substance abuse issues, or military deployment), grandparents are commonly eager and willing to step in and assume custodial responsibilities until the parent is ready and able to resume his or her parental obligations. Significantly, numerous studies indicate that children who maintain strong relationships with their grandparents experience better and more stable health outcomes, including lower levels of depression and anxiety. Where neither parent has any form of care and control over a child, my legislation will allow grandparents to seek partial physical custody if the grandparent: (1) has assumed or is willing to assume responsibility for the child and (2) has a sustained, substantial, and sincere interest in the welfare of the child. This bill will help foster extended family bonds, while championing the best interests of children and families at large. Indeed, a grandparent’s ability to provide emotional stability, love, and a sense of security for grandchildren can be particularly beneficial during family conflicts and parental separations. Please join me in cosponsoring this important piece of legislation to better serve our Commonwealth. |
Introduced as HB2504