The National Defense Authorization Act of 2015, which is awaiting the president’s signature to be signed into law, includes a provision from Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) that protects the parental rights of military members.
Turner, chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces, was inspired to act after learning of the case of Lt. Eva Shusher, who lost custody of her daughter when she returned from deployment because a judge ruled that a military lifestyle was not stable and not conducive to raising a child. Shusher did eventually regain custody after lengthy court proceedings and significant costs.
“We have a duty to protect those who protect us,” Turner said. “Service members risk their lives in support of military operations that keep our nation safe. They should never be penalized for serving their country. I was honored to author, champion and successfully fight to include a national standard of protection in this year’s NDAA that ensures service members will not lose custody of their children because they have served or might deploy as part of their military service.”
Under the new law, provisions of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act would be amended to prevent the permanent altering of parental custody and would reinstate pre-deployment custody provided it is the best interest for the child.