TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — In an effort to safeguard the welfare of children, Florida Senator Danny Burgess, representing Zephyrhills, has introduced Senate Bill 674. This proposed legislation aims to prioritize the child’s mental and emotional health when courts are deciding on granting visitation rights to grandparents.

The bill focuses on cases where a parent has died, and the child previously resided with their grandparent. Senator Burgess emphasizes that the child’s psychological and emotional needs should be a primary consideration during court deliberations regarding visitation rights.

“The inspiration for this legislation came from a distressing case brought to my attention by a constituent,” stated Senator Burgess. “A child, once cared for by a grandparent, experienced a sudden severance of that relationship, leading to severe emotional distress. It’s crucial that no child endures unnecessary hardship when simple visitation could support their well-being.”

The bill specifically mandates that courts assess whether maintaining visitation would benefit the child’s emotional stability and mental health, especially when they have been living with a grandparent after losing a parent.

“The focus of our legal system should always be the child’s welfare, particularly after the traumatic event of losing a parent,” said Senator Burgess. “When a grandparent provides stability during challenging times, cutting off that relationship can have devastating emotional consequences for the child.”

Senator Burgess wants the court to have all the tools needed to keep children connected with the people they love most.