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HB 25

Family Law - Grandparent Visitation

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jackie Addison

HB 25 modifies Maryland grandparent visitation rights in family law, though specific provisions await detailed legislative text release for full analysis.

Hearing 1/29 at 2:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 25

Legislative bill overview

HB 25 addresses grandparent visitation rights in Maryland family law, though the specific provisions are not detailed in the available legislative information. The bill has progressed through initial readings in the Judiciary Committee and is scheduled for a hearing on January 29, 2026. This type of legislation typically establishes or modifies the legal framework for grandparents to petition courts for visitation access to grandchildren.

Why is this important

Grandparent visitation laws affect family relationships and child welfare by clarifying when courts can grant non-custodial relatives access to children. These laws balance parental rights with grandparents' interests in maintaining family bonds, particularly in situations involving parental death, divorce, or estrangement. The specifics matter significantly—overly broad visitation rights can conflict with parental authority, while restrictive provisions may limit children's access to extended family support systems.

Potential points of contention

  • Parental rights vs. grandparent access: Determining how much weight courts should give grandparent requests versus parents' authority to decide their children's associations
  • Standards for visitation: Whether the bill uses clear, objective criteria (like "best interest of the child") or vaguer standards that create unpredictability in court decisions
  • Scope of applicability: Whether visitation rights apply broadly or only in specific circumstances (custody disputes, parental incapacity, death), affecting how many families are impacted

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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