Makes various changes relating to parentage. (BDR 11-140)
AN ACT relating to parentage; adopting provisions of the Uniform Parentage Act; revising provisions relating to the establishment of a parent and child relationship and the presumption of parentage; establishing provisions concerning the voluntary acknowledgment of parentage and denial of parentage by certain persons; authorizing the State Board of Health to adopt regulations relating to an acknowledgment of parentage or denial of parentage; establishing provisions governing genetic testing in proceedings to adjudicate parentage; establishing and revising various provisions relating to proceedings to adjudicate parentage; authorizing a person who claims to be a de facto parent of a child to be adjudicated as a parent of the child in certain circumstances; authorizing a court to adjudicate a child to have more than two parents in certain circumstances; establishing and revising provisions relating to assisted reproduction and gestational agreements; providing for the right of a gestational carrier to make all health care decisions regarding the gestational carrier and the pregnancy of the gestational carrier; repealing various provisions relating to parentage; providing a penalty; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
This bill, AB371A, aims to make significant changes to the laws around parentage, including updating the process for establishing parent-child relationships and revising presumptions about parentage. It also addresses voluntary acknowledgment of parentage, genetic testing in parentage cases, and rights for gestational carriers. The bill allows for a child to be recognized as having more than two parents in certain situations, such as when assisted reproduction is involved. Additionally, it provides penalties for non-compliance and repeals outdated parentage provisions.
The bill would primarily impact individuals and families navigating parentage issues, particularly those involving assisted reproduction and gestational surrogacy. It would also affect healthcare providers and genetic testing services involved in parentage cases. The changes could lead to clearer legal definitions of parentage, making it easier for families to establish and recognize parent-child relationships.
As of February 6, 2025, the bill was read in the Assembly but did not receive further consideration, leading to its failure. It was returned from the Secretary of State on February 3, 2025, and was placed on a special order of business on the same day, but it did not advance.