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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Louise Williams Bishop |
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Bishop: House Children and Youth Committee votes out sibling visitation bill
HARRISBURG, Oct. 23 – The House Children and Youth Committee, chaired by state Rep. Louise Bishop, D-Phila., approved a bill this week that would help to ensure that visitation rights between siblings remain intact following a divorce, separation, death of a parent or a court order that results in siblings being separated from each other.
Bishop said the legislation (H.B. 895) was introduced by state Rep. Daylin Leach, D-Montgomery.
“It is so important for siblings who are the victims of family tragedy to stay in touch with each other so they can support and communicate with each other,” Bishop said.
“You can never replace family members,” she said.
Bishop said current law does not guarantee siblings visitation rights with each other if they are separated by a family circumstance.
Bishop said Leach’s bill would provide legal standing to seek a court-ordered right of visitation between siblings, provided the court determines it is in best interest of the children.
The Philadelphia lawmaker said she is hopeful the legislation will be considered by the full House soon.
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CONTACT: Roseann R. Cadau |