Senate Bill 2536: Grandparent Visitation Rights

Author:
Senator Arthenia L. Joyner

Summary:
Authorizes the grandparent to petition the court for visits with a minor grandchild if the parents refuse to allow the grandparents to visit.

Status:

2/29/2008		(Senate) Filed
3/20/2008		(Senate) Introduced, referred to Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; Judiciary; and Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Committees
5/2/2008		(Senate) Session ended; bill died in Committee

HSLDA's Position:
HSLDA is opposed to this bill.

Action Requested:
None requested at this time.

Background:
Over the years, HSLDA has represented member families in conflict with grandparents who did not like homeschooling. These grandparents would try to stop the homeschooling through various means including turning the family over to the child welfare services. Thankfully, most grandparents we come in contact with at HSLDA support homeschooling and in some situations even participate in the teaching.

However, S.B. 2536 would give grandparents and great-grandparents the right to sue parents for visitation rights. Of course, if a grandparent brings such a suit under this act, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child and order family mediation and a psychological evaluation of the child. Parental rights would be ignored.

Other Resources

Bill Text

Bill History