Bill > S02948

This bill proposes to amend the Penal Law, Domestic Relations Law, and Family Court Act to provide a process for the termination of parental rights in cases where a child was conceived through rape. The key provisions include: 1. Terminating the parental rights and responsibilities of a parent convicted of rape in the first, second, or third degree if the child was conceived as a result of the rape. 2. Allowing a proceeding for the termination of parental rights to be initiated by a petition alleging the respondent committed rape and the child was conceived as a result, which can be established by clear and convincing evidence even without a criminal conviction. 3. Prohibiting courts from awarding custody or visitation to a parent charged with rape until the conclusion of the proceedings, and prohibiting such awards if the parent is convicted. The bill aims to protect the best interests of children conceived through rape by providing a legal process for terminating the parental rights of the perpetrator.