CHAPTER 25

H.P. 642 - L.D. 865

Resolve, Directing the Family Law Advisory Commission To

Study and Report on the Uniform Parentage Act and Similar

Laws and Proposals

Whereas, current Maine law is inadequate to address issues relating to parental rights and responsibilities, ethics, inheritance and property rights when genetic, biological and factual parentage can not be determined in traditional ways; and

Whereas, Maine courts are in need of legislative guidance respecting the determination of parental and other rights and responsibilities in such cases; and

Whereas, the Legislature is desirous of protecting children in such nontraditional circumstances from unnecessary litigation, uncertainty and insecurity; and

Whereas, the Family Law Advisory Commission is authorized to review and make recommendations on family law issues generally under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 19-A, section 351 et seq. but has not yet addressed issues relating to children conceived through nontraditional means and when parentage is questioned; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Study. Resolved: That the Family Law Advisory Commission established under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 5, section 12004-I, subsection 52-A is directed to conduct a comprehensive study of the Uniform Parentage Act and similar laws and proposals; and be it further

Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That the Family Law Advisory Commission shall submit a report no later than January 1, 2004, together with any necessary implementing legislation, for