Child Conceived from Sex Assault Court Proceedings

Under current law, a parent who wants to relinquish their child must satisfy certain requirements. If the parent who wants to relinquish their child is a victim of sexual assault that resulted in the conception of the child to be relinquished, the bill:

• Allows the relinquishment petitioner to provide the juvenile court with documentation concerning the sexual assault or conception, including a sworn affidavit;
• Exempts the petitioner from having to satisfy certain relinquishment requirements if the court finds that the petitioner is a victim of sexual assault that resulted in the conception of the child to be relinquished; and
• Exempts the relinquishing parent of all legal obligations they may have with respect to the child if the court grants a final order of relinquishment.

On or before January 1, 2026, the state court administrator is required to develop a, or modify an existing, standardized form for a petitioner to file to terminate another person's parent-child legal relationship because the child was conceived as a result of sexual assault.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)