Lawmakers in the Vermont House are seeking to protect deployed soldiers from losing custody of their children when they are sent overseas.
On Thursday the House unanimously passed a bill that is similar to legislation already enacted in 22 other states, according to the Burlington Free Press.
Adjutant General Michael Dubie says divorced guard members with children face added stress when they have to worry about whether they will have the same custodial rights when they return.
He says sometimes when they return they have to start all over again in family court.
About 1,500 Vermont soldiers are currently in training before heading to Afghanistan.
The bill is now headed to the Senate, where it is expected to pass.