The fact that a person is able to claim another person to be the father of her child without proof is inexplicable. Men should have the understanding, opportunity, and upmost permission to test their paternal obligation. DNA tests that test for paternity are exceptionally quick, cheap, and noninvasive. I have known too many men that have lost tens of thousands of dollars to falsified paternity claims. Furthermore, there is nothing punishing mothers who lie about paternity. The ability to test for DNA means nothing should be left to chance. People who intentionally lie about paternity are creating a significant financial burden (intentionally) for the non-father. This is stealing with an extra step. I support HB1077 to the fullest extent. Test for paternity and allow innocent men a chance to save tens of thousands of dollars.

Please move to report HB1077.

I do not support any bills that criminalize folks

Comments Document

Please support HB 1077 Paternity; genetic tests to determine parentage, relief from paternity, certain actions, penalty. This bill is reasonable, rational, and necessary legislation to help put an end to the prevalence of paternity fraud in Virginia. The issue of paternity fraud is not new, and not difficult to detect and prevent, yet legislation has failed to help put an end to the injustice. HB 1077 is the legislation needed to deter persons from making knowingly false statements. And with DNA tests available for less than $100, an alleged father of a child should, at minimum, be given the opportunity to request the administering of this inexpensive and conclusive test. Historically, injustices occurred because there simply wasn’t the science to support or deny the claim of paternity, but in the year 2022 we have good science and there is no longer an excuse for paternity injustice. These reasons are more fully explained in the attached analysis titled, “The Innocent Third Party: Victims of Paternity Fraud.” HB1077 should be supported.