Missouri HB2505: Provides that a grandparent shall be given priority if it is in the best interest of the child to be placed in the custody of a third party

What the bill says

From the amended text:

SECOND REGULAR SESSION SENATE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILLS NOS. 2505 & 2044 103RD GENERA L ASSEMBLY 6301S.03C KRISTINA MARTIN, Secretary To repeal sections 452.375, 452.410, and 452.423, RSMo, and to enact in lieu thereof four new sections relating to the custody of children. Section A. Sections 452.375, 452.410, and 452.423, RSMo, are repealed and four new sections enacted in lieu thereof, to be known as sections 452.375, 452.381, 452.410, and 452.423, to read as follows: 452.375. 1. As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: (1) "Custody" means joint legal custody, sole legal custody, joint physical custody or sole physical custody or any combination thereof; (2) "Joint legal custody" means that the parents share the decision-making rights, responsibilities, and authority relating to the health, education and welfare of the child, and, unless allocated, apportioned, or decreed, the parents shall confer with one another in the exercise of decisionmaking rights, responsibilities, and authority; (3) "Joint physical custody" means an order awarding each of the parents significant, but not necessarily equal, periods of time during which a child resides with or is under the care and supervision of each of the parents. EXPLANATION-Matter enclosed in bold-faced brackets [thus] in this bill is not enacted and is intended to be omitted in the law. SCS …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• David Dolan (R, 148) · primary sponsor
• Marla Smith (D, 074)
• Marty Murray (D, 078)
• Deanna Self (R, 064)
• John Hewkin (R, 120)

Latest actions

1. May 15, 2026: Placed on Informal Calendar - SA 1 adopted, SA 2 pending
2. May 15, 2026: SS Offered
3. May 15, 2026: Taken Up for Third Reading (S)
4. May 7, 2026: Placed on Informal Calendar
5. April 28, 2026: SCS Reported Do Pass (S)
6. April 15, 2026: SCS Voted Do Pass (S)
7. April 15, 2026: Executive Session Held (S)
8. April 8, 2026: Public Hearing Held (S)
9. April 2, 2026: Public Hearing Scheduled (S) - Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 8:15 a.m., Senate Lounge - 3rd Floor
10. March 30, 2026: Public Hearing Scheduled (S) - CANCELLED: Wednesday, April 1, 2020, 8:15 a.m., Senate Lounge-3rd Floor

Votes

• Third Read and Passed (H) (March 11, 2026): 144 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Reported Do Pass (H) (February 23, 2026): 11 yea, 0 nay, passed
• HCS Reported Do Pass (H) (February 11, 2026): 14 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB2505?

HB2505 is a bill in the Missouri Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Provides that a grandparent shall be given priority if it is in the best interest of the child to be placed in the custody of a third party.

What is the status of HB2505?

In committee as of May 15, 2026. Latest action: Placed on Informal Calendar - SA 1 adopted, SA 2 pending (May 15, 2026).

Who sponsored HB2505?

David Dolan (R, 148), with 4 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB2505?

On the Missouri Legislature website: https://house.mo.gov/BillContent.aspx?bill=HB2505&year=2026&code=R