HB3180 Summary

• Creates the Grandparents Custody Assistance Fund as a special fund in the State treasury, managed by the Attorney General to provide grants to non-profit agencies offering pro bono legal assistance to grandparents and other first-degree relatives seeking custody or intervening in custody disputes.

• Defines "first-degree relative" as a sibling, grandparent, aunt, or uncle of an individual.

• Establishes a $50 fine imposed by courts when parties violate custody, visitation, or joint parenting orders, with exceptions when the court finds imposition would cause undue burden to a non-violating party.

• Directs 90% of the $50 fines collected to be deposited into the Grandparents Custody Assistance Fund, with 10% retained by the circuit clerk to defray administrative costs.

• Amends the Clerks of Courts Act to specify how fines from custody order violations are collected and distributed to the State Treasurer.