LANSING, MI (AP)-- Active-duty military parents couldn't be punished for failing to appear in court for custody battles in certain cases under bills approved by the Michigan Legislature.
The House and Senate bills were given final approval Wednesday.
The bills would prevent courts from modifying parenting time orders if one of the parties has filed a motion of stay under the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and as long as children are in a safe environment.
Republican bill sponsor Senator Rick Jones says members of the armed forces "deserve to fulfill their service without fear of losing custody of a child while they are on duty."
Republican Representative Tom Barrett and Klint Kesto are sponsors of related legislation in the House.