Bill > H1600

This bill aims to protect survivors of rape and their children by restricting the rights of perpetrators to obtain custody or visitation of children conceived through rape. The key provisions are: 1. Courts are prohibited from granting visitation rights to a parent convicted of or found to have committed sexual assault crimes against the other parent, unless it is in the best interest of the child and the mother consents. 2. Courts are prohibited from granting custody rights to a parent convicted of or found to have committed sexual assault crimes against the other parent, unless it is in the best interest of the child and the mother consents. 3. There is an irrebuttable presumption of unfitness for a parent convicted of or found to have committed sexual assault crimes against the other parent, in proceedings to terminate parental rights for adoption, unless the mother opposes termination and it is found contrary to the child's best interests. The bill provides exceptions in limited circumstances where the perpetrator's rights may be granted if it is in the child's best interest and the mother consents. It also ensures the perpetrator's financial obligations and the child's inheritance rights are not affected.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H1600