MS HB1226

Extends grandparent visitation rights under Mississippi law to also include great-grandparents, allowing them to petition courts for visitation with minor grandchildren or great-grandchildren

Great-grandparents may petition for visitation when a court awards custody to one parent, terminates one parent's rights, or when one parent dies

Courts may grant visitation to great-grandparents who have established a "viable relationship" with the child, defined as: financial support for at least 6 months, frequent visitation including overnight stays for at least 1 year, or caring for the child while a parent was incarcerated or on military duty

When awarding custody to a third party due to both parents being unfit, courts must first consider natural grandparents and great-grandparents before other suitable persons

Effective date of July 1, 2022