BILL NUMBER: SB 1260	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Wright

                        FEBRUARY 23, 2012

   An act to add Sections 7575.5 and 7646.5 to the Family Code,
relating to paternity.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 1260, as introduced, Wright. Paternity.
   Existing law establishes a conclusive presumption that a man is
the natural father of a child if he and the natural mother of the
child are married and the child is born during the marriage, or if he
signs a voluntary declaration of paternity, as provided. Under
existing law, these presumptions of paternity may be rebutted by
genetic evidence that another man is the biological father of the
child. Existing law requires that a motion for genetic tests be filed
not later than 2 years after the birth of the child, as specified.
   Existing law provides that, except as to cases in which paternity
is presumed under the conclusive presumption described above,
specified persons, including a man alleged or alleging himself to be
the father, may bring an action to determine the existence of the
father and child relationship. Existing law requires that a motion to
set aside a judgment to establish paternity must be brought within a
2- year period, as specified.
   This bill would, notwithstanding these provisions, grant courts
the discretion to set aside a paternity judgment in the interest of
justice, based on the totality of the circumstances and the best
interests of the child, except as specified.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  Section 7575.5 is added to the Family Code, to read:
   7575.5.  (a) Notwithstanding Section 7575, and except as provided
in subdivision (b), a court shall have the discretion to set aside a
paternity judgment in the interest of justice, based on the totality
of the circumstances and the best interests of the child.
   (b) This section shall not apply to a donor of semen who agrees in
a writing, pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 7613, to be
treated in law as if he were the natural father of a child conceived
by artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization, and who is
determined by genetic testing to be the natural father.
  SEC. 2.  Section 7646.5 is added to the Family Code, to read:
   7646.5.  (a) Notwithstanding Section 7646, and except as provided
in subdivision (b), a court shall have the discretion to set aside a
paternity judgment in the interest of justice, based on the totality
of the circumstances and the best interests of the child.
   (b) This section shall not apply to a donor of semen who agrees in
a writing, pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 7613, to be
treated in law as if he were the natural father of a child conceived
by artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization, and who is
determined by genetic testing to be the natural father.