Bill > HB3197

This bill establishes mandatory genetic testing at birth for every newborn in Missouri starting January 1, 2027, if a potential father is identified, paternity is disputed, or either parent requests it. Paternity will be legally confirmed only with a genetic test showing at least a 99% probability of a biological relationship. If a man is excluded as the father by this test, he will have no legal or financial responsibility for the child, including no child support obligations or back payments. The bill also clarifies that no one will face penalties for failing to support a child before paternity is genetically established, and any existing child support orders based on incorrect paternity will be voided. A "Missouri Genetic Testing Fund" will be created to cover testing costs for those unable to pay, and genetic test results will be used solely for paternity and child support, with genetic material destroyed afterward unless voluntarily kept for family medical history. The departments of health and senior services and social services are tasked with creating rules to implement this section.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB3197&year=2026&code=R