Resolve, Directing the Family Law Advisory Commission To Study and Report on 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 such 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; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Study. Resolved: That the Family Law Advisory Commission established under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 5, section 12004-I, subsection 52-A is directed to conduct a comprehensive study of current Maine law, the Uniform Parentage Act as recommended for enactment by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws and other similar laws and proposals; and be it further

Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That the Family Law Advisory Commission shall submit a report to the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary no later than December 1, 2013, together with any necessary implementing legislation, for presentation to the Second Regular Session of the 126th Legislature. The Family Law Advisory Commission is authorized to submit legislation related to its report to the Second Regular Session of the 126th Legislature.