IL HB5176

Creates the Family Law Definitions Act establishing mandatory definitions for "safe parent," "parental alienation," and "high conflict" that must be used in all Illinois family law proceedings

Defines "safe parent" as one who does not abuse or neglect the child or other parent, is not subject to an active order of protection, and is not under mental health care for conditions posing potential risk to the child

Defines "parental alienation" as acts or statements intended to separate a child from a safe parent without good cause, including false, misleading, or age-inappropriate communications that diminish the child's opinion of a safe parent

Defines "high conflict" behavior as obstreperous or combative conduct that arbitrarily opposes the other parent's access to the child, but excludes reactions arising from abuse trauma, PTSD, fear of an abuser, or anxiety

Prohibits courts from using alternative terms to evade these definitions and establishes that failure to apply the definitions constitutes reversible legal error and grounds for appeal