Topic:
Family law and visitation
(Harms, R-Watseka; Silverstein, D-Chicago) allows a court to consider, consistent with the best interest of the child, whether to award to one or both of the parties the “right of first refusal” to provide child care for the minor child or children during the other parent’s normal parenting time. Although the parties may agree to a right of first refusal, if they do not, and the court determines that a right of first refusal is in the best interest of the child, the court shall consider new statutory criteria and make provisions for it consistent with the best interest of the child. It doesn’t affect use of a substitute child-care provider for emergency situations and applies only if a party intends to leave the minor child or children with a substitute child-care provider for a significant period of time. Passed the House and on second reading in the Senate.