ASSEMBLY COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1970

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: SEPTEMBER 16, 1996

      The Assembly Community Services Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No.1970.

      This bill expands the category of relatives who may apply for visitation rights to include, not only parents, grandparents, and siblings, but also a child's aunts and uncles. Visits by the relatives added under this bill must occur within the presence of the child's parents or the person with whom the child resides. Currently, the child's grandparents and siblings may apply for an order for visitation with no supervision requirement.