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Bill > A2676
NJ A2676
NJ A2676Requires psychological examination when parent loses custody of child and wants to regain custody of child who is in care or custody of grandparent.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires the parents or parent of a minor child who have lost custody due to being deemed unfit or for other reasons, but have not had their parental rights terminated, and the child is in the care or custody of a grandparent, to undergo a psychological examination prior to the court changing the custody arrangement, if such change is appropriate. Under current law, parents may lose custody of their children for reasons which include, but are not limited to, being grossly immoral, unfit, or for neglecting the child. Under the bill, if they have not had their parental rights terminated by the court, and the child is in the care or custody of a grandparent, then the parent or parents are required by the court to undergo a psychological examination before the court alters the custody arrangement, if altering the custody arrangement is appropriate. The bill also amends R.S.9:2-10 to direct the court to require a psychological examination of a parent or parents who have lost custody of their child and want to regain custody, but the child is in the care or custody of a grandparent, who has instituted an action for custody pursuant to R.S.9:2-9.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that if a parent has lost custody of their child for reasons such as being unfit, neglectful, or having dangerous habits, but their parental rights have not been terminated, and the child is currently in the care of a grandparent, the court must require the parent(s) to undergo a psychological examination before any changes are made to the child's custody arrangement, provided such changes are deemed appropriate. This requirement is specifically applied when a grandparent has initiated legal action to gain custody of the child, amending existing law to ensure this psychological evaluation is a prerequisite for altering custody in such situations.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A2676 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3000/2676_I1.HTM |
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