SF 2247 (LSB 2518SV (4) 87)

SENATE FILE 2247

BY  COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

(SUCCESSOR TO SF 281)

(As Amended and Passed by the Senate 2018-03-12)

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to grandparent and great-grandparent visitation. 
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 600C.1, Code 2018, is amended by adding the following new subsection:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  1A.  If a party objects to the petition filed under this section, the court shall stay the proceedings and refer the parties to mediation. If an agreement is reached through mediation, the parties shall file the signed agreement with the court for approval, and the court shall dismiss the petition. If an agreement is not reached through mediation, the parties shall proceed to a hearing on the petition unless the petition is otherwise dismissed or withdrawn. The costs of mediation provided under this subsection shall be borne by the petitioner.