SB459

Ensuring meaningful contact between child and step-siblings

Complete·4/1/26

SB459 ensures meaningful contact between a child and their step-siblings is considered in custody decisions.

SB459 amends the Code of West Virginia to include meaningful contact between a child and their step-siblings as a factor in custody decisions. The bill modifies the objectives of the allocation of custodial responsibility and decision-making responsibility of children to prioritize the child's best interests, including stability, parental planning, continuity of attachments, and contact with siblings and step-siblings. This change aims to ensure that step-sibling relationships are considered when determining the child's custodial arrangements and upbringing.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Sponsors

0
1
R
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

85 Yea

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0 Nay

14 Absent

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Calendar

Mar 8

4:00 PM

Standing Committee on the Judiciary Meeting

Mar 6

9:00 AM

Standing Committee on the Judiciary Meeting

History

Apr 1

Senate

Approved by Governor 4/1/2026

Mar 18

Senate

To Governor 3/18/2026

Mar 14

Senate

House Message received