A new measure that could help protect children’s rights during guardianship battles passed the Illinois General Assembly.

“Children need stable households while growing up. Constant relocation within and outside of the state disrupts the child’s life,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter, sponsor of the bill.

Hunter’s measure would prevent one parent or guardian from removing a child from Illinois without providing proper notice to the disputing parent. Proper notice includes the address of the youth’s proposed home, the date and reason for removal, to the child’s non-custodial parent within three days.

The initiative limits how often children bounce from one home to the next during guardianship battles.

Senate Bill 786 passed the Senate 57-0 and House 112-0. It now goes to the governor’s desk for further consideration.