Including step-siblings in Best Interests of Child Protection Act of 2022

SB 614 amends West Virginia's child custody law to explicitly require courts to consider "meaningful contact" between a child and their step-siblings when determining the child's best interests. The bill adds step-siblings to the list of family members (alongside biological siblings) that courts must evaluate for maintaining existing relationships during custody decisions. This change directly affects children involved in custody cases where step-siblings are part of the family dynamic. The law does not create new rights but ensures step-sibling relationships are formally considered alongside other familial bonds in court rulings.