Under existing statutory law, grandparents may petition for visitation with their grandchildren under certain circumstances. The Alabama Supreme Court declared parts of Alabama's existing grandparent visitation law unconstitutional.
This bill would repeal the existing grandparent visitation law and replace it with a new grandparent visitation law that requires the petitioning grandparent to prove, by clear and convincing evidence, that the grandparent has an existing relationship with the grandchild and visitation is in the best interest of the child.
This bill would specify the factors that establish a significant and viable relationship for the purposes of establishing clear and convincing evidence. This bill would also establish the criteria and procedures for filing a petition.
Delivered to Governor at 11:00 a.m. on May 4, 2016.
Assigned Act No. 2016-362.
Clerk of the House Certification
Signature Requested
Enrolled
Passed Second House
Whatley motion to Reconsider and Table adopted Voice Vote
Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted Roll Call 950
Third Reading Passed
Read for the second time and placed on the calendar
Read for the first time and referred to the Senate committee on Judiciary
Engrossed
Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass adopted Roll Call 324
Motion to Adopt adopted Roll Call 323
Judiciary Amendment Offered
Third Reading Passed
Read for the second time and placed on the calendar 1 amendment
Read for the first time and referred to the House of Representatives committee on Judiciary
Source: Alabama Legislature