PATERNITY ESTABLISHED BY GENETIC TESTING

House Bill 5463 (Substitute H-1)

Sponsor:  Rep. Cindy Denby

Committee:  Families, Children, and Seniors

Complete to 6-10-14

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5463 AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

The bill would amend the Paternity Act in two ways. 

** Section 6 of that act currently says that if the probability of paternity determined from blood tissue typing or DNA identification profiling is 99% or higher, and the DNA profile and summary report are admissible, then paternity is presumed.  The bill would change "presumed" to "established."

** Section 7 describes the circumstances when a court must enter an order of filiation declaring paternity and providing for support of a child.  The bill would add to those circumstances, when "genetic testing under Section 6 determines that the man is the father."

House Bill 5463 is tied-barred to House Bills 5464, 5465 and 5583, and would take effect 90 days after enactment.

MCL 722.716 and 722.717

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 5463 would have a minimal to negligible fiscal cost savings on the state and local units of government.

POSITIONS:

The Family Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan indicated support for the bill. (5-21-14)

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   E. Best

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Kevin Koorstra

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.