HB 880 Summary

• Establishes the "Fatherhood Begins at Conception Act" to allow courts to order fathers to provide financial support to pregnant women carrying their unborn children out of wedlock, including medical expenses during pregnancy and post-pregnancy care for at least two years after birth.

• Defines "unborn child" as a child in the mother's womb and extends paternity obligations to include support of the pregnant mother, with guidelines covering prenatal care, physical and mental health expenses, and dietary needs.

• Modifies the statute of limitations for paternity claims from one year to three years preceding an action, and removes restrictions on holding custody or support hearings during pregnancy.

• Amends child support guidelines to allow courts to consider and award support for pregnant mothers in addition to child support, with the same rebuttable presumption standards applied to support awards.

• Updates the Child Support Unit's duties under the Department of Human Services to include establishing paternity and collecting support for pregnant women receiving governmental assistance, effective July 1, 2025.