Tennessee child custody reform awaits governor

Some legal experts say that a child custody bill that was passed by both the Tennessee

House and Senate will allow for more sharing custody between parents.

The Associated Press reports that the bill recently passed through the state Senate 19-9 after having been approved 92-0 in the lower house in April.

The Tenneessean reports that the bill would require judges to look into how custody orders can maximize the involvement of a parent in the life of their son or daughter.

Legal analysts told the news source that the bill was a compromise to plans advocated by fathers' rights groups. Those groups had hoped that judges would be required to divide child custody 50-50 in cases where there is no evidence that it would be harmful for a child.

Democratic state Sen. Beverly Marrero told the AP that judges should have "tools to do what they think is in the best interest of the children of Tennessee."

The news provider reports that the bill, which was sponsored by Democratic Sen. Andy Berke, will be reviewed by Gov. Bill Haslam when it reaches his desk.