HB453 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

David SessionsSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Juandalynn GivanPaul Beckman

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Paternity, presumption regarding father of child when mother married, alleged father not married to mother may rebut with genetic testing, costs, Sec. 26-17-607 am'd.

Summary

The bill would require courts to order genetic testing for certain alleged fathers to determine paternity and would require the alleged father to pay all testing costs.

What This Bill Does

Requires a court to order genetic testing for an alleged father who requests it and provides clear and convincing evidence that he had a sexual relationship with the mother around the time of conception, with the alleged father paying all testing costs. Within two years of a child’s birth, to rebut the presumption that a husband is the father, the court must order genetic testing for an alleged father not married to the mother who petitions and shows clear and convincing evidence of a sexual relationship with the mother; the alleged father pays all testing costs, and the court may then determine the father after a hearing.

Who It Affects

• Alleged fathers who request testing and can show, with clear and convincing evidence, that they had a sexual relationship with the mother around conception; they would have testing ordered and must pay the costs.
• Husbands of the mother (presumed fathers) and non-marital alleged fathers within two years of birth who may seek testing to rebut the presumption; the costs would be borne by the alleged father.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 26-17-607 to require a court to order genetic testing of an alleged father who requests testing and presents clear and convincing evidence of a sexual relationship with the mother at or near conception; the alleged father pays all testing costs.
• Within two years of the birth, to rebut the presumption that a man married to the mother is the father, the court shall order genetic testing for an alleged father not married to the mother upon petition and clear and convincing evidence of such relationship; the alleged father pays all testing costs; after a hearing, the court may determine the father.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month following passage and governor’s approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Family Law