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Committee holds H 859 on parenting time restoration after testimony and roll-call substitute vote
Summary
H 859, a parenting time restoration bill, was held in committee on a substitute motion after receiving both support and opposition testimony; the substitute motion to hold passed 7–5 with 4 absent/excused.
Rep. Scott presented H 859 concerning restoration of parenting time. Brandi Holaday testified in support. Opposing testimony included Anthony Pantera, Stacy Mahar, Jason Spillman (Legal Counsel, Administrative Office of the Courts), Frances Stern, and Betsy Black.
Committee members pressed presenters on how many other states have adopted the proposed standard, the appropriate evidentiary threshold, what constitutes 'substantial harm', and whether adopting the standard could create or appear to create court bias. The procedural question of how often courts use a 'clear and convincing' standard was also raised.
Rep. Ehardt moved to send H 859 to General Orders. Rep. Shirts offered a substitute motion to HOLD H 859 in committee. Chairman Skaug requested a roll call vote on the substitute; the motion to hold passed 7 AYE, 5 NAY, 4 Absent/Excused. Voting in favor were Reps. Skaug, Larsen, Handy, Shirts, Stone, Gannon, and Mathias; opposed were Reps. Scott, Ehardt, Garner, Hawkins, and Hostetler. The bill remains in committee for further work.
