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HB 25-1185

Child Conceived from Sex Assault Court Proceedings

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Bacon and 36 co-sponsors

HB 25-1185: Child Conceived from Sex Assault Court Proceedings OverviewBill Number: HB 25-1185 Title: Child Conceived from Sex Assault Court Proceedings Status: Governor Signed

Governor Signed
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Bill Summary · HB 25-1185

HB 25-1185: Child Conceived from Sex Assault Court Proceedings

Overview

Bill Number: HB 25-1185
Title: Child Conceived from Sex Assault Court Proceedings
Status: Governor Signed
Introduced: February 10, 2025

Purpose and Intent

This bill establishes new legal procedures and rights for children conceived as a result of sexual assault. The legislation aims to provide greater protections and support for these children, as well as clarify the legal standing of the non-consenting parent.

Key Provisions

  • Allows a child conceived from sexual assault to file a civil lawsuit against their biological father for damages, regardless of whether the father was criminally convicted
  • Requires courts to terminate the parental rights of a biological father who committed sexual assault resulting in the child's conception, unless the child's other parent consents to the father maintaining rights
  • Entitles children conceived from sexual assault to receive victim's compensation funds and other state-provided support services
  • Prohibits courts from considering the biological father's parental rights when determining child support, custody, or visitation for the child

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill primarily affects children conceived through sexual assault, as well as their non-consenting parents (typically the mother). It provides these children with new legal rights and access to support services, while also stripping parental rights from biological fathers who committed the underlying sexual assault.

The legislation also has implications for the criminal justice system, as it creates a new civil cause of action that can be pursued even without a criminal conviction. This may incentivize more victims to come forward and seek legal recourse.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

HB 25-1185 was signed into law by the Governor on April 1, 2025, and will go into effect on July 1, 2025. The new civil lawsuit provision applies retroactively to any children conceived from sexual assault, regardless of when the underlying crime occurred.

The bill was passed with bipartisan support in both the state House and Senate. Proponents argued it was necessary to protect the rights and wellbeing of innocent children, while opponents raised concerns about due process and the potential for false accusations. Overall, the legislation was viewed as an important step forward in supporting survivors of sexual violence and their children.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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