Provides that a grandparent shall be given priority if it is in the best interest of the child to be placed in the custody of a third party

This bill modifies child custody laws in Missouri to establish a priority for grandparents when a court decides to award custody to a third party, such as a relative or other non-parent caregiver. Under the new rules, if a judge determines that neither parent is suitable or that the child's welfare requires it, the court must first consider awarding custody to a grandparent before looking at other potential third-party candidates. The legislation also clarifies existing definitions of custody and reinforces the state's general policy that maintaining frequent contact with both parents is usually in a child's best interest, while allowing courts to deviate from this standard in cases involving domestic violence or parental unfitness.