SB 5029 - DIGEST

     Affirms that parents have a paramount right to raise their minor children.

     Acknowledges that grandparents may have an inherently special relationship with their grandchildren, but that relationship remains subordinate to that of the parent and child.

     Declares that the legislature, in response to In re Custody of Smith, 137 Wn.2d 969 (1998), intends to establish internally consistent and rigorous standards that must be met for a nonparent to obtain visitation with a minor child.