Hawaii Senate Bill SB484

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/23
• Refer: 1/25/23
• Refer: 2/21/23

Caption

Relating To Parentage.

Impact

The proposed changes would directly influence how courts handle parent-child relationships in Hawaii. Key modifications include the introduction of terms such as 'acknowledged parent,' 'adjudicated parent,' and 'genetic parent.' The bill aims to ensure that children’s rights and inheritance claims are safeguarded, making certain that every child, regardless of their parents' marital status, has an equal footing regarding familial rights under the law. Additionally, the bill proposes that child support obligations be more efficiently enforced, thus enhancing the state's legal framework around family law.

Summary

Senate Bill 484, introduced in Hawaii, aims to implement key portions of the Uniform Parentage Act of 2017, thereby replacing the earlier Uniform Parentage Act of 1973. The legislation primarily seeks to clarify and update the definitions and procedures surrounding the establishment of parent-child relationships. By modernizing the statutes related to parentage, the bill aims to provide clearer guidelines on how parentage can be established through various means including genetic testing, court adjudications, and voluntary acknowledgments. It emphasizes the significance of recognizing parentage regardless of parents' marital status at the time of a child's birth.

Contention

While the bill is largely supportive of contemporary views on family structure, there may be anticipated discussions surrounding certain provisions, particularly those related to genetic testing and the implications of establishing parentage without a court adjudication. Concerns may arise regarding privacy and the ethical considerations associated with genetic testing, particularly in contested cases. Furthermore, the repeal of the outdated Uniform Parentage Act of 1973 might face scrutiny from traditionalists who may argue that the changes do not adequately consider certain familial structures.

Effective_date

This Act is set to take effect on January 1, 2024, signaling a significant shift in how parentage is determined in Hawaii, aiming to harmonize state law with national standards emphasized in the Uniform Parentage Act.