Louisiana House Bill HB996

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/4/16
• Refer: 4/5/16

Caption

Updates provisions in the Vital Records Law regarding allegations of paternity for child support purposes

Impact

The bill's implementation would have significant implications on child support enforcement and family law practices within the state. By allowing DNA tests to be used instead of solely relying on traditional blood tests, HB996 aims to provide a clearer and potentially more reliable method for proving paternity. This would benefit custodial parents seeking support and provide a fair framework for alleged fathers to contest claims appropriately.

Summary

House Bill 996 proposes updates to the Vital Records Law in Louisiana to facilitate the use of DNA testing as a means of establishing paternity for child support purposes. The bill aims to streamline procedures surrounding allegations of paternity, particularly for children born outside of marriage. It allows for a more efficient process by requiring alleged fathers to contest paternity in writing within a specified timeframe, thereby reducing ambiguity in parental assignments.

Sentiment

Sentiment around the bill appears to be generally supportive among legislators who recognize the importance of accurate paternity testing in the context of child support. Proponents argue that the law's modernized approach reflects advancements in technology and ensures that child support obligations are correctly assigned. However, there may be concerns regarding the legal implications for those who might be unfairly assumed to be the father due to the presumption established by the bill if no contestation occurs.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the concerns over the rights of alleged fathers, particularly regarding the presumption of paternity that may lead to financial obligations without adequate contestation provisions. Additionally, there may be discussions surrounding privacy implications regarding the use of DNA testing, as this data could have broader legal and ethical ramifications that merit consideration before the bill is finalized.