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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Bill Kortz |
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Kortz bill for custodial rights of grandparents passes House
HARRISBURG, Oct. 30 – State Rep. Bill Kortz, D-Allegheny, announced his bill that would give grandparents standing to seek custody of a child who is removed from his or her parents or another guardian passed the House Monday on a 181-11 vote.
Kortz’s bill (H.B. 1548) would require courts to give consideration to grandparents who are willing to take custody of a child when the court determines that temporary or permanent legal custody must be given to someone other than the child's parents or a current guardian or custodian.
Currently, state law requires that relatives be considered first in determining custody of a child. Kortz said the intent of his bill is to ensure that grandparents have standing in that process.
“Grandparents have a special relationship with their grandchildren,” Kortz said. ”And it’s for that reason that a child who can no longer live with the parent or guardian be placed in the custody of a grandparent.
"This bill would ensure that families are kept intact by countering the tearing apart of the family that already is occurring.”
A provision of the bill would require a study to be done by a probation officer or other person or agency designated by the court to make certain that granting custody to a grandparent is in the best interest of the child.
Kortz collaborated on the bill with fellow freshman Rep. Randy Vulakovich, R-Allegheny, and they were successful in their endeavor.
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CONTACT: Amy Figard |