NPO: Illinois’ ‘Right of First Refusal’ Unanimously Passes Both Houses

Article here. Excerpt:

'In an historic move, Illinois unanimously passed the ‘Right of First Refusal’ on May 22, 2013 (HB2992, 98th Session). Illinois becomes the first state to explicitly call for consideration of the ‘Right of First Refusal’ in a parenting plan or court order. It will be added as Section 602.3 to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. The bill is currently on the Governor Pat Quinn’s desk for his expected signature.

Currently, Massachusetts has similar legislation pending to Increasing Parental Involvement with Childcare, HB1343. Also, Indiana and Utah both have legislation which provides a similar opportunity, but does not explicitly call for such consideration.

‘Right of First Refusal’ is a guarantee that anytime a parent needs someone to watch the children, they must ask the other parent first. This gives a parent the opportunity to watch the children when the other parent has them.'