Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB376

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/11/23
• Refer: 8/11/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Child support in the case of a parent convicted of sexual assault that results in conception of a child.

Impact

By doubling the standard child support amount for cases related to sexual assault, AB376 aims to provide more substantial financial support for children conceived under such traumatic circumstances. The court's role will include determining a base support amount based on current guidelines, and mandated to automatically double it due to the nature of the conception. This change reflects a shift towards recognizing the unique challenges faced by victims of sexual assault and their offspring.

Summary

Assembly Bill 376 addresses the issue of child support in cases where a child is conceived as a result of sexual assault. It emphasizes that individuals can file for child support even if the perpetrator's parental rights have been terminated. The bill amends existing statutes to clarify that a person can pursue support if they can prove through a conviction that sexual assault led to the conception of the child. This marks a significant change in child support laws to ensure that victims and their children have the financial support they need, irrespective of the parent's rights status.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding this bill may arise from concerns about whether the automatic doubling of support responsibilities is equitable or feasible for the convicted individuals. Critics could argue that this places an undue burden on perpetrators, while supporters of the bill see it as a vital step in ensuring that children do not suffer due to the actions of their parents. Discussions in legislative committee meetings will likely delve into the implications of these support modifications on both victims and alleged perpetrators.