Kansas House Judiciary Hearing on Grandparent Consideration in Child in Need of Care Proceedings
The House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing this coming Wednesday, March 7 at 3:30 pm on 2012 #SB262, Grandparent Custody, which passed the Senate this past week http://kslegislature.org/li/b2011_12/measures/sb262/ p
The bill provides that “notwithstanding the provisions of any other statute” “when a child is removed from the custody of a parent, any a grandparent shall receive consideration when evaluating what custody, visitation or residency arrangements are in the best interests of the child.” This statute is made applicable to all actions under the Kansas Code for Care of Children (Child in Need of Care statutes) (but not the Adoption and Relinquishment Code). The bill is referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration. It has not yet been set for hearing. An article appeared in the Topeka Capital-Journal this past weekend in which I was asked for comment about the bill. The link is here: http://cjonline.com/news/2012-02-25/senator-pushes-grandparents-rights
I intend to testify about this bill in the House, but would appreciate any comments or suggestions in advance. If anyone else wants to testify or present written testimony, please let me know.