HB 6209

Abstract

Amends the State Finance Act. Creates the Grandparents Custody Assistance Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Provides that moneys in the Fund shall be paid as grants to public or private non-profit agencies that provide pro bono legal assistance to a grandparent or other first-degree relative seeking (i) custody of a child or (ii) to intervene in a custody dispute involving that child. Authorizes the Attorney General to manage the Fund. Defines "first-degree relative". Amends the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Provides that if the court finds that a party has violated a court order relating to custody, visitation, or joint parenting, the court shall fine the party $50 in addition to any other penalty imposed, unless the court decides to waive the fine because it would place an undue burden on another party who is not in violation of the court's order. Amends the Clerk of Courts Act. Provides that 90% of the fine imposed under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act must be transferred from the clerk to the Treasurer for deposit into the Grandparents Custody Assistance Fund and that the remaining 10% must be retained by the clerk to offset administrative costs.