Kayden's Law, In Honor Of Slain Bucks Girl, Moves Forward (ICYMI)

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA — A child-protection bill named for a slain 7-year-old from Lower Makefield is now making its way through the Pennsylvania legislature.

S.B. 868, known as Kayden's Law, was unanimously voted out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday and is now heads to the full Senate for consideration.

State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, whose district includes Lower Makefield, introduced the bill in honor of Kayden Mancuso, who was killed in a murder-suicide by her father while her parents were locked in a year-long custody battle.

"Never again. That should be our vow as lawmakers," Santarsiero said. "Never again should one of our children die or be abused because Pennsylvania law does not do enough to protect them. The tragedy of Kayden Mancuso's death demonstrates that the current child custody law does not in fact do enough."

The bill would shore up child protections in Pennsylvania by adding to the list of evidence judges may consider when making custody and visitation decisions. Histories of abuse and domestic violence would be considered, as would allegations of child abuse or violence.

In custody cases in which those issues are a factor, a court hearing to consider them would be required before custody can be awarded.

The legislation also calls on Pennsylvania's court system to require training for judges and other court officers to make sure they understand issues surrounding child abuse and domestic violence.

A link to the legislation can be found here.