ALBANY (AP) -- New York's Senate has passed bills that would protect parents serving in the military.
The bills would prohibit a court from viewing potential deployment as a negative factor when considering a man or woman's parental rights.
A companion bill would allow service men and women to appoint a short-term guardian while deployed.
Several other Memorial Day-themed bills were also passed this week by the Senate. They include a lifetime hunting and fishing license at a reduced rate for veterans.
The bills now go to the Assembly for its consideration.
(Copyright ©2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)