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

HB 1025 establishes that when a court awards custody to a third party (such as a grandparent) because both parents are unfit or the child's welfare requires it, grandparents must be given priority over other third parties. The bill specifically requires courts to prioritize grandparents for custody, visitation, or temporary custody in such cases before considering other suitable individuals. This applies only when parents are deemed unable or unwilling to care for the child, or when the child's safety or well-being necessitates third-party involvement. The law does not change existing standards for determining parental unfitness but clarifies that grandparents are the first choice for third-party custody arrangements.