Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HB06321

Introduced
1/29/21  
Refer
1/29/21  
Report Pass
3/29/21  
Report Pass
3/29/21  
Refer
4/9/21  
Refer
4/9/21  
Report Pass
4/15/21  
Engrossed
4/26/21  
Engrossed
4/26/21  
Report Pass
4/28/21  
Report Pass
4/28/21  
Passed
5/20/21  
Passed
5/20/21  
Chaptered
5/25/21  
Chaptered
5/25/21  
Enrolled
5/26/21  
Enrolled
5/26/21  

Caption

An Act Concerning Adoption And Implementation Of The Connecticut Parentage Act.

Impact

The enactment of HB 06321 will have a considerable impact on the state's family law framework. It aims to streamline processes related to the determination of parentage, which includes provisions for voluntary acknowledgments of parentage and genetic testing when disputes arise. These changes may facilitate greater access to legal recognition for parents, including those in non-traditional family structures, and improve the overall management of cases involving child custody and support. The bill also introduces new provisions regarding how medical and financial support obligations are determined, potentially leading to more equitable outcomes for children and families involved in such cases.

Summary

House Bill 06321, also known as An Act Concerning Adoption And Implementation Of The Connecticut Parentage Act, seeks to update and clarify existing laws surrounding parentage, adoption, and related family matters in Connecticut. The bill establishes definitions and administrative procedures related to parentage determination, making significant amendments to various sections of the state's general statutes. By outlining specific processes and obligations tied to the recognition of parentage, the bill aims to enhance the welfare of children in family law contexts and ensure clearer guidelines for parents involved in legal proceedings.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 06321 appears to be largely supportive among legislators concerned with improving child welfare and ensuring that family law reflects contemporary societal norms. Advocates for children's rights and family law reform have voiced strong approval of the bill's intent to simplify and clarify complex legal processes. However, some members of the community may still harbor concerns regarding how these changes might affect traditional family structures and parental rights, particularly in situations involving genetic testing and recognition of non-biological parents.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential implications of genetic testing for determining parentage and the administrative burden on families seeking to establish legal parentage under the new guidelines. Critics argue that mandatory testing could create barriers for some families, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. Other areas of debate may center around the enforcement of obligations that arise from parentage recognition, such as health care coverage and financial support, which could disproportionately affect certain groups based on economic circumstances.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

CT HB05178

An Act Concerning Adoption And Implementation Of The Connecticut Parentage Act.

HI HB1193

Relating To Parentage.

HI SB1231

Relating To Parentage.

HI SB2747

Relating To The Uniform Parentage Act.

NM HB373

Revised Uniform Parentage Act

MN HF3567

Assisted reproduction rights and responsibilities updated, surrogacy agreement requirements created, and recordkeeping and information sharing provided for genetic donation.

MN SF3504

The Parentage Act

PA HB350

In proceedings prior to petition to adopt, further providing for hearing, for alternative procedure for relinquishment and for hearing; in support matters generally, further providing for paternity and for continuing jurisdiction over support orders; in general provisions relating to children and minors, repealing provisions relating to acknowledgment and claim of paternity; in jurisdiction, further providing for bases for jurisdiction over nonresident; enacting the Uniform Parentage Act; and providing for parent-child relationship for certain individuals, for voluntary acknowledgment of parentage, for genetic testing, for proceeding to adjudicate parentage, for assisted reproduction, for surrogacy agreements and for information about donors.