HB1604 Summary

• Authorizes the Secretary of State to suspend driver's licenses of individuals found in contempt of court for violating visitation orders and engaging in "visitation abuse," defined as willfully denying another party court-ordered visitation or exercising visitation rights in a manner harmful to the child.

• Requires circuit courts to report visitation abuse findings to the Secretary of State within 45 days, and suspension remains in effect until the court determines sufficient compliance for a sufficient period of time with the visitation order.

• Establishes "family responsibility driving permits" allowing limited driving privileges for employment, medical care, or treatment purposes for individuals with suspended licenses due to visitation violations, similar to existing child support enforcement permits.

• Adds notice requirements mandating courts inform individuals of their right to request a hearing to contest visitation compliance claims within 45 days before license suspension, and allows courts to stay certification if the person files a motion to modify visitation.

• Creates new enforcement remedies for visitation abuse including suspension of professional licenses for up to 6 months, fines up to $500 per violation, incarceration of one day per day of denied visitation for repeat offenders, and $5,000 bond requirements to ensure future compliance.