The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee has unanimously advanced a bill introduced by Representative Craig Williams, aimed at protecting the custody and visitation rights of deployed military parents. The legislation, known as the Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act, seeks to align Pennsylvania with 16 other states that have enacted similar measures.
Representative Williams, a retired Marine Corps Colonel, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the family rights of military personnel. “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,” he stated. He added that the passage of House Bill 82 is crucial in ensuring legal clarity and fairness for military families.
House Bill 82 addresses issues faced by deployed military parents by preventing permanent custody changes during deployment and ensuring deployment cannot be used against them in custody decisions. It also promotes consistent contact between deployed parents and their children through modern communication methods like video and phone calls.
The bill has received widespread support from organizations such as the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and the American Bar Association. These endorsements reflect a broad consensus on the necessity of these measures. The Uniform Law Commission has played a significant role in standardizing this law across various states.
House Bill 82 will now proceed to the full House for consideration.
