Missouri HB3197: Establishes provisions requiring genetic testing at birth for paternity and child support purposes

What the bill says

To amend chapter 454, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to genetic testing. Section A. Chapter 454, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 454.486, to read as follows: 454.486. 1. As used in this section, the following terms mean: (1) "Absent parent", a parent not residing with or not providing direct care for a child at birth; (2) "Genetic test", a DNA-based paternity test administered by a hospital or licensed medical provider and processed by an accredited laboratory; (3) "Mother", a woman who gives birth to a child; (4) "Putative father".

From the introduced text:

To amend chapter 454, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to genetic testing. Section A. Chapter 454, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 454.486, to read as follows: 454.486. 1. As used in this section, the following terms mean: (1) "Absent parent", a parent not residing with or not providing direct care for a child at birth; (2) "Genetic test", a DNA-based paternity test administered by a hospital or licensed medical provider and processed by an accredited laboratory; (3) "Mother", a woman who gives birth to a child; (4) "Putative father", any man alleged or presumed to be the father of a child, including a man married to the mother unless disproven by a genetic test. 2. Notwithstanding any provision of law, beginning January 1, 2027, a genetic test shall be administered at the time of birth for every newborn child in this state (2) Paternity is disputed; or (3) The mother or alleged father requests testing. 3. (1) Paternity shall be considered legally established only upon receipt of a valid genetic test confirming a biological relationship of at least ninety-nine percent probability. (2) If a genetic test excludes a putative father: EXPLANATION -- Matter enclosed in bold-faced brackets [thus] in the above bill is not enacted and is intended …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• (D, 067) · primary sponsor