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Senate advances permissive virtual-visitation bill that allows courts to consider video contact
Summary
First substitute House Bill 82, which would allow courts to consider Internet or video contact as a permissive option in visitation orders, passed to third reading after floor discussion about practical use and parental objections.
First substitute House Bill 82, presented to the Senate on Feb. 19, would add permissive language allowing courts to consider virtual communication (internet/video) as one option to facilitate contact between noncustodial parents and children when parties are geographically separated.
Senator Hilliard described common scenarios where a noncustodial parent would like video contact but the custodial parent resists. “This is permissive language. The court doesn't have to order it,” Hilliard said, explaining the bill is intended to bring the option to the court’s attention when appropriate.
Senators asked questions about practical mechanics and enforcement; Hilliard emphasized the provision is an additional option alongside telephone and written contact, not a requirement. After brief floor questions and one recorded roll call, the clerk announced the first substitute House Bill 82 had received 18 aye votes, 8 no votes and 3 absent, and the bill was placed on the third-reading calendar.
What happens next: the bill will return to the floor for third reading and final passage.
