On June 4, 2024, House Bill 82, introduced by Rep. Craig Williams (R-Delaware/Chester), passed unanimously out of the House Judiciary Committee. Known as the Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act, the bill aims to update and standardize custody and visitation rights for deployed military parents, ensuring fair treatment in custody proceedings. This legislation aligns Pennsylvania with 16 other states that have enacted similar measures.
Rep. Williams, a retired Marine Corps Colonel and legislator, has been a staunch advocate for military personnel’s rights, recognizing the unique challenges faced by service members and their families during deployment.
“Military parents make countless sacrifices for our nation, and it is paramount that we safeguard their family rights, even when they are overseas protecting us,” said Rep. Williams. “The passage of House Bill 82 out of the Judiciary Committee is a significant step in extending legal clarity and fairness for our military families. This bill not only supports our service members but also serves the best interests of their children, ensuring the parent-child bond remains strong for parents away serving our country.”
House Bill 82 addresses hardships encountered by deployed military parents in custody and visitation matters by preventing permanent custody changes during deployment and ensuring deployment cannot be used against them in custody decisions. The bill also facilitates consistent contact between deployed parents and their children through modern communication means such as video and phone calls.
This legislation has garnered widespread support, including endorsements from the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and the American Bar Association. The Uniform Law Commission has been a leader in standardizing this law across states.
House Bill 82 now moves to the full House for consideration.
Representative Craig Williams
160th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Will Patterson
267-688-2590
wpatterson@pahousegop.com
RepCraigWilliams.com / Facebook.com/RepCraigWilliams
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