Wash. state House OKs nonparental visitation bill

March 7, 2013 @ 7:40 pm

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - The Washington state House has passed a measure to make it easier for grandparents and others with a close relationship to a child to secure visitation rights.

The bill passed Thursday applies to people having a substantial relationship with a child lasting at least two years or half the child's life.

It does not apply to a person who knows a child only through paid or volunteer service, such as coaching or teaching.

The main proponents of the bill are grandparents who have been cut off from their grandchildren.

Opponents said the bill is overly broad and represents an attack on parental rights.

The measure passed by a vote of 56-40, with two Republicans joining a unanimous Democratic caucus voting in favor. It heads next to the Senate.


(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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  • xplanes wrote...
    Stupid law.
    March 7, 2013 8:46 pm
    Unless the parents are unfit, the courts should stay out of it. The parents are the parents unless the court removes them from that responsibility. Ex girlfriends or boyfriends should have zero legal standing. Period. Unless of course you believe kids belong to the state and parents are just the financial advisers responsible for their expenses. Oh wait, unanimous Democrat support. Yup, they believe that kids belong to the state.
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