Committee releases ‘Anthony’s Legacy Act’ to give special consideration to grandparents after service-member deaths

A4989, titled the Anthony’s Legacy Act, was released as presented by the Assembly Oversight Reform and Federal Regulations Committee after the sponsor submitted written testimony and no oral opponents appeared.

Irma Collins, a Gold Star mother and founder of Mom, It'll Be Alright Incorporated, submitted testimony in support describing the loss of her son and urging that Gold Star families be afforded “meaningful access to their grandchildren after the death of a service member.” Collins said the bill “seeks fairness, compassion, a presumption of access unless there is clear and documented cause to deny it.”

The committee moved and seconded the motion to release A4989; a roll call recorded yes votes from members present, and the chair announced the bill “released.” The sponsor’s written testimony framed the measure as not seeking to override parental rights but to establish a statutory presumption to protect grandchildren’s connections to their deceased parent’s family.

Committee members indicated the measure was intended to create a statutory pathway to visitation consideration for Gold Star grandparents while preserving parental‑rights safeguards and judicial discretion to deny access if clear, documented harms are shown. The bill will proceed in the legislative process following the committee’s release.