60-Day Waiting Period for Divorce Could Save Lives: Legislator Says

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Richard Longoria

Story Created: Apr 21, 2009 at 2:21 PM CST

Story Updated: Apr 21, 2009 at 2:21 PM CST

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The Texas House has given tentative approval to waiving the state's 60-day waiting period for a divorce if there's sufficient evidence that family violence makes an earlier divorce necessary.
     
In a non-recorded voice vote Tuesday, House members backed a measure by Rep. Ryan Guillen, D-Laredo, who said the bill would potentially help saves lives.
     
Jodie Laubenberg, R-Rockwall, argued against Guillen. She said she has another bill that would help protect Texans from domestic violence and that divorce should be deliberative and purposeful - not entered into lightly.
     
Guillen's bill is expected to get a final vote Wednesday.
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Guillen's bill is HB72.
     
     
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)
     
AP-NY-04-21-09 1515EDT

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