Resolve, Extending the Date by Which the Family Law Advisory Commission Must Report on Its Study of the Uniform Parentage Act and Other Similar Laws and Proposals

Preamble. Whereas,  Maine law may require clarification and updating with regard to issues relating to parental rights and responsibilities, ethics, inheritance and property rights when genetic, biological and factual parentage cannot be determined in traditional ways; and

Whereas,  Maine courts are in need of legislative guidance respecting the determination of parentage in some cases; and

Whereas,  the Legislature is desirous of protecting children in such nontraditional circumstances from unnecessary litigation, uncertainty and insecurity; and

Whereas,  the Family Law Advisory Commission is authorized to review and make recommendations on family law issues generally under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 19-A, chapter 5; and

Whereas,  the Family Law Advisory Commission began its study of the Uniform Parentage Act pursuant to Resolve 2013, chapter 12 and needs additional time to prepare legislation to carry out its recommendations; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Resolve 2013, c. 12, §2, amended. Resolved: That Resolve 2013, c. 12, §2 is amended to read:

Sec. 2. Reports. Resolved:  That the Family Law Advisory Commission shall submit a report to the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary an interim report no later than December 1, 2013 and submit a final report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over judiciary matters no later than December 15, 2014, together with any necessary implementing legislation, for presentation to the Second  First Regular Session of the 126th  127th Legislature. The Family Law Advisory Commission is authorized to submit legislation related to its  the final report to the Second  First Regular Session of the 126th  127th Legislature.

Sec. 2. Retroactivity. Resolved: That this resolve applies retroactively to December 1, 2013.

summary

This resolve extends the date for the Family Law Advisory Commission to issue its final report on the Uniform Parentage Act to December 15, 2014. Resolve 2013, chapter 12 established the commission's duty to conduct a comprehensive study and set a reporting date of December 1, 2013. The Family Law Advisory Commission submitted an interim report before the report was originally due.