Bill > S0750

This bill expands the definition of "next of kin" to include great-grandparents, granting them the same visitation rights as grandparents and the right to be notified of adoption proceedings. It also repeals existing laws related to grandparents' visitation rights and establishes new provisions for grandparents seeking visitation when parents are deceased, missing, or have been convicted of certain crimes, requiring courts to consider the child's best interests and the potential harm to the parent-child relationship. The bill further clarifies that adoption by a stepparent or close relative does not automatically terminate existing grandparent visitation orders unless the grandparent can demonstrate continued eligibility, and it encourages the consolidation of related court cases to streamline proceedings.