House Bill 391: Relating to a Suit for Possession of or Access to a Child by a Grandparent

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Last Updated: February 11, 2013

Sponsors:

Representative Senfronia Thompson

Summary:

House Bill 391 proposes to change the family code by making it easier for grandparents to sue for possession of or access to their grandchildren against the wishes of the parents. HB 391 states that grandparents would not be required to offer expert testimony in requesting a court to grant them possession of or access to their grandchild. Furthermore, it widens the instances in which a grandparent may sue for possession of their grandchild.

HSLDA's Position:

Oppose.

HSLDA believes that it is the right of parents to make decisions regarding child-rearing. In some circumstances, we have defended families when a hostile grandparent has sued to gain custody or visitation over the parents' objections. We believe that this bill gives too much opportunity to grandparents to sue for visitation.

Action Requested:

None at this time

Status:

01/08/2013 House Introduced
02/11/2013 House Referred to the Committee of Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Bill died in the House.