Ensuring meaningful contact between child and step-siblings

Senate Bill 459 amends West Virginia's Best Interests of Child Protection Act to explicitly include meaningful contact with step-siblings as a factor courts must consider when determining custody arrangements. The bill adds "step-siblings" to section §48-9-102(12), which already requires consideration of contact with biological and half-siblings. This change directly affects children in custody cases involving blended families, ensuring step-sibling relationships are formally recognized in legal decisions. The amendment does not alter existing standards for biological or half-sibling contact but expands the scope of relationships deemed important for a child's well-being. The bill focuses on clarifying policy to prioritize stability and existing family connections for children.