HARRISBURG – The PA House unanimously passed legislation from Rep. Craig Williams of Chester & Delaware Counties which would update PA’s custody and visitation laws on behalf of deployed military parents. House Bill 2287 would prevent any permanent custody changes while a service member is deployed for longer than 30 days. It will also ensure visitation rights are protected during the deployment. The legislation was developed in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Defense and the Uniform Law Commission and is supported by the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Family Law Section. While many states have passed laws that address some aspects of deployed military members fighting for custody of their children, 16 states have adopted the specific language in Williams’ bill. The measure now goes to the PA Senate for consideration.

REP. CRAIG WILLIAMS