2004 Senate Bill 966

Require parenting plan before divorce

Introduced in the Senate

Feb. 5, 2004

Introduced

To require that before a divorce is granted a married couple with children must have an enforceable parenting plan in place which covers custody arrangements, and assigns decision-making authority regarding the children. The bill is part of a legislative package comprised of Senate Bills 959 to 966. House Bills 5467 to 5474 are the same bills.

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

Sept. 23, 2004

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Sept. 28, 2004

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that divides the bill's provisions among it and House Bill 5471. Also, it would establish that a party's failure to file a parenting plan would not be evidence of willingness and ability to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship between the child and the other party.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Sept. 29, 2004

Passed in the Senate 28 to 8 (details)

To require that before a divorce is granted a married couple with children must file with the court the enforceable parenting plan specified by House Bill 5471.

Received in the House

Sept. 29, 2004

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

Nov. 4, 2004

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

Dec. 9, 2004

Amendment offered by Rep. Joanne Voorhees (R-77)

To link the bill to legislation authorizing a $50 income tax credit for prospective newlyweds who take pre-marriage training, and requiring parents seeking a divorce to take training in the effect of divorce on children.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 87 to 14 (details)

To require that before a divorce is granted a married couple with children must file with the court the enforceable parenting plan specified by House Bill 5471.

Received in the Senate

Dec. 9, 2004

To concur with the House-passed version of the bill, which links it to legislation authorizing a $50 income tax credit for prospective newlyweds who take pre-marriage training, and requiring parents seeking a divorce to take training in the effect of divorce on children and have a "parenting plan" in place.

Passed in the Senate 26 to 9 (details)

Vetoed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

Dec. 29, 2004