Topic:
Visitation and babysitting
(Harms, R-Mattoon) gives each parent the “right of first refusal” to care for a minor child in lieu of using a babysitter. Provides that the use of baby-sitters, family members, or subsequent spouses is secondary to the right of first refusal. Provides that right of first refusal means that if either parent intends to leave the minor children for a period of four hours or longer, that parent shall first offer the other parent an opportunity for additional time with the children before making other arrangements for the temporary care of the children. Contains provisions concerning the setting of parameters regarding distance, transportation, and time constraints that may make the offering of additional parenting time impractical and therefore not required. Provides that the parent leaving the children with the other parent or with a temporary child care provider shall notify the other parent of the duration of the parenting time or temporary care of the children by other persons. Contains procedural requirements regarding the offering and acceptance of additional parenting time. Provides that the parent exercising additional parenting time shall provide the necessary transportation unless the parties agree otherwise. Provides that the new provisions are enforceable under the Section of the Act concerning visitation abuse. Scheduled for hearing in House Judiciary Committee Wednesday.