House Bill 682: Psychological Parents’ Rights

Sponsors:
Representative James H. Lawrence (R)

Summary:
House Bill 682 has been significantly amended so that it does not give psychological parents any new powers. The bill provides courts with guidelines for awarding a psychological parent guardianship in very specific circumstances, such as when a natural parent has given permission explicitly, through abandonment, or by allowing an established and lengthy relationship.

Status:

1/31/2007		(House) Introduced and referred to Children and Family Law Committee
3/6/2007		Public Hearing, Legislative Office Building, Room 206, 11 a.m.
3/14/2007		(House) Continued Public Hearing: 10 a.m., Legislative Office Building 206
3/20/2007		(House) Executive Session: 11 a.m., Legislative Office Building 206
3/22/2007		(House) Retained in Committee
6/26/2007		(House) Subcommittee Work Session, 2:30 p.m.
8/28/2007		(House) Subcommitttee Work Session, 10:30 a.m., Legislative Office Building 206
9/19/2007		(House) Subcommittee Work Session, 10 a.m., Legislative Office Building 206
9/24/2007		(House) Subcommittee Work Session, 10 a.m., Legislative Office Building 206
10/4/2007		(House) Subcommittee Work Session, 10 a.m., Legislative Office Building 206
11/1/2007		(House) Executive Session, 10 a.m., Legislative Office Building 206
11/6/2007		(House) Continued Executive Session, 10 a.m., Legislative Office Building 206
11/6/2007		(House) Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment for January 2
11/6/2007		(House) Proposed Committee Amendment
1/2/2008		(House) Amendment Adopted by Voice Vote
1/2/2008		(House) Ought to Pass with Amendment: Motion Adopted Voice Vote
2/21/2008		(Senate) Introduced and Referred to Judiciary Committee
4/3/2008		(Senate) Public Hearing, 2 p.m., State House, Room 103

HSLDA's Position:
Support. The language of this bill has been significantly amended, and now simply clarifies existing powers and guidelines.

Action Requested:
None at this time.

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