2004 Senate Bill 1378

Revise certain child custody eligibilities

Introduced in the Senate

Sept. 9, 2004

Introduced by Sen. Deborah Cherry (D-26)

To allow certain relatives to petition for custody of a child whose parents have never been married if the court finds that the parent who has custody is incapacitated due to mental illness, mental deficiency, physical illness or disability, chronic drug use or intoxication, or lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make informed decisions. Under current law such a petition is only allowed if the parent dies.

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary