LANSING, MI (AP)-- Michigan legislation would protect military members in child custody cases while serving overseas.
The bill proposed Wednesday responds to a Lenawee County judge's decision to order a sailor to come to court despite him being aboard a U.S. submarine.
The legislation generally would prohibit judges from modifying parenting time if a motion is filed to suspend the case while the military member is away.
Republican Senator Rick Jones of Grand Ledge says his bill shouldn't "even be necessary."
Lenawee County Judge Margaret Noe says she didn't know Matthew Hindes was in the Pacific Ocean when he was supposed to appear or have someone bring his 6-year-old daughter to court.
Hindes' ex-wife Angela Hindes lost custody of their child in 2010 amid allegations of neglect but seek to regain custody.