The bill's modifications are technical and nonsubstantive in nature. The intent is to streamline the process for determining parentage aligned with the Uniform Parentage Act. It reinforces the existing mechanisms for asserting parent-child relationships while ensuring that interested parties can initiate legal action to establish or deny parentage. This recognition of multiple parties in determining parentage reflects the evolving understanding of family structures in legal contexts.
Summary
Assembly Bill No. 949, introduced by Assembly Member Flora on February 14, 2023, aims to amend Section 7630 of the California Family Code. This section relates to the establishment of the parent and child relationship. AB949 is focused on consolidating and clarifying existing statutes regarding how such relationships are determined, specifically through actions that may be brought by various parties. The bill establishes who may initiate these actions, including the child, their natural parents, and presumed parents, among others.
Contention
While AB949 does not introduce significant new policies that would spark major controversy, it could evoke discussions surrounding the rights of various stakeholders in parentage disputes, particularly in light of modern family dynamics. Stakeholders such as adoption agencies and individuals involved in assisted reproductive agreements will be particularly interested in how these changes may affect their legal rights and responsibilities. The bill could draw attention from advocacy groups concerned with child welfare and parental rights.
Assisted reproduction rights and responsibilities updated, surrogacy agreement requirements created, and recordkeeping and information sharing provided for genetic donation.