New York Assembly Bill A08382

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/13/25
• Refer: 5/13/25

Caption

Replaces the terms father, mother, and filiation to gender neutral language.

Impact

The changes brought about by A08382 would amend numerous provisions throughout multiple New York state laws, which regulate family court proceedings and child support. This would include establishing a putative parent registry and reassessing how courts handle proceedings involving child support and parentage. By implementing gender-neutral language, the bill aims to eliminate bias and foster an environment where all parents are treated equally under the law, thus positively impacting the legal recognition of different family structures. However, this comprehensiveness might require extensive training of legal personnel and social services to ensure effective implementation.

Summary

Bill A08382 proposes significant amendments to various laws including the Family Court Act and Social Services Law, particularly focusing on transitioning from traditional gendered terms like 'paternity' and 'mother' to more inclusive terminology, favoring 'parentage' and 'gestating parent'. This shift reflects a broader movement towards recognizing diverse family structures and the need for language that is respectful and inclusive of all parental identities. The bill's intent is to align legal language with contemporary understandings of family dynamics and gender roles.

Contention

While the bill has been praised for promoting inclusivity and modernity in family law, there are concerns regarding its practical implications. Critics argue that the transition to gender-neutral language could create ambiguities in legal interpretations, possibly complicating existing legal processes concerning child support and custody disputes. Additionally, stakeholders in traditionalist legal frameworks may resist the changes, fearing that it undermines established legal definitions and processes. This ongoing debate highlights the balancing act between progressive legal reforms and the maintenance of legal clarity.