WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 3437

Relating to public health; declaring an emergency.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ben Bowman and 6 co-sponsors

Kayden’s Law strengthens child protection in family court by requiring trained guardian ad litems, expanding parenting-time standards, educating judges, and limiting sealing of DV

In committee upon adjournment.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 3437

HB 3437 — "Kayden's Law" (Introduced Feb 18 & 26, 2025) — Summary

Status: Introduced (104th Gen. Assembly). In committee upon adjournment (6/28/2025). Introduced by Rep. Joyce Mason. Title: Relating to public health; declaring an emergency.

Purpose / Intent

To strengthen protections for children and domestic violence survivors in family court by:
- Requiring more informed guardian ad litem (GAL) appointments (training on family violence/child abuse);
- Adding factors and standards for parenting-time allocation and for restricting parental responsibilities when necessary to protect a child's wellbeing;
- Authorizing court system education for judges and personnel about child abuse; and
- Limiting the ability to seal court files for domestic violence orders of protection.

The bill is designated “Kayden’s Law.”

Key provisions (selected)

  • Statutory changes: Amends the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (various sections: 750 ILCS 5/506, 602.5, 602.7, 603.10, 604.10; adds 603.12 and 715) and creates a new Domestic Violence Act provision (750 ILCS 60/228).

  • Guardian ad litem (GAL) requirements:

    • Courts must make reasonable efforts to appoint GALs who have received evidence‑based education/training on family violence and child abuse (topics listed include child sexual abuse, physical and emotional abuse, coercive control, trauma, short- and long-term impacts, victim/perpetrator behaviors, and implicit/explicit bias).
    • GAL duties formalized: investigate, interview child/parties, submit written report/recommendations or proposed parenting plan not less than 30 days before final hearing.
    • GAL reports are admissible without foundation; GALs must be available for deposition and may be cross‑examined; may issue subpoenas, be present for proceedings including in‑camera interviews, and file procedural pleadings.

  • Child representatives and additional appointments:

    • Clarifies roles, training/experience standards, confidentiality, and limits on testimony.
    • Additional attorney/representative appointments allowed only for good cause with specific findings.

  • Parenting time & parental responsibilities:

    • Adds additional statutory factors the court must consider when allocating parenting time.
    • Provides statutory criteria for when the court may restrict parental responsibilities to protect a child’s physical, mental, moral, or emotional well‑being.

  • Education for judges/court staff:

    • Authorizes the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts to develop and implement ongoing education/training programs regarding child abuse for judges and relevant personnel.

  • Domestic violence records:

    • Restricts sealing of court files related to domestic violence orders of protection (increasing transparency; note potential privacy/safety tradeoffs).

  • Fees:

    • Courts shall enter orders for fees/costs for appointed counsel/representatives; appointed persons must file detailed invoices within 90 days and every 90 days thereafter.

Who is affected

  • Children involved in family law matters, and their parents/guardians.
  • Guardians ad litem, child representatives, family law attorneys, judges, and court personnel.
  • Survivors and respondents in domestic violence protection order proceedings.
  • The Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (for creating training).
  • Potential fiscal impacts for courts, parties, or state/local budgets (training costs, GAL/attorney fees).

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Introduced Feb 18/26, 2025; referred to multiple committees (Rules, Judiciary - Civil, Ways & Means); read and re-referred; in committee upon adjournment as of 6/28/2025.
  • Bill title includes “declaring an emergency,” indicating intent for immediate effective date upon enactment (if final language includes an emergency clause).

Note: Text in the drafting file is partially truncated in places; this summary highlights the principal, readable provisions as introduced.

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

Sign in to ask a question.