Williams Legislation to Protect Custody Rights of Deployed Military Parents Passes House Unanimously

HARRISBURG –Rep. Craig Williams (R-Delaware/Chester) bill, known as the Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act, passed unanimously today in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The legislation, House Bill 414, would update and standardize custody and visitation protections for deployed military parents.

As a retired Marine Corps Colonel and longtime advocate for military families, Williams emphasized the importance of protecting the parent-child bond, even during active service.

“Military parents should not have to sacrifice their rights at home while they are serving overseas,” said Williams. “This legislation ensures that deployment cannot be used against a parent in custody proceedings and provides a clear, fair standard across the Commonwealth. It is the right step for our service members and their children.”

House Bill 414 prevents permanent custody changes during a parent’s deployment and allows for delegated visitation rights. It also encourages continued communication between parents and children through modern means, such as video calls, when in-person time is not possible.

The measure aligns Pennsylvania with 17 other states that have already adopted the uniform standard. It has earned the support of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. The Uniform Law Commission has led the effort to standardize this legislation nationally.

“I want to thank my colleagues for recognizing the urgency and fairness of this bill,” said Williams. “The unanimous support for this legislation affirms our commitment to standing with those who serve our country in uniform.”

House Bill 414 now heads to the Senate for consideration.