HB4652 Summary

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

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

• Imposes a $50 fine against parties who violate court orders relating to custody, visitation, or joint parenting, with a waiver option if the court finds imposition would create undue burden on another party.

• Directs that 90% of collected $50 fines be remitted to the State Treasurer for deposit into the Grandparents Custody Assistance Fund, with 10% retained by the circuit clerk for administrative costs.