HB 25-1185

House Bill 25-1185, which has been signed into law in Colorado, helps victims of sexual assault who became parents due to the assault. It allows these individuals to provide proof of their situation to a court and may exempt them from certain requirements needed to give up parental rights. If the court agrees that they are victims of sexual assault, it can also free them from any legal responsibilities towards the child. This law aims to support survivors by making the process easier for them to relinquish their parental rights if they choose to do so.

Official Summary

Under current law, a parent who wants to relinquish their child must satisfy certain requirements. If the parent who wants to relinquish their child is a victim of sexual assault that resulted in the conception of the child to be relinquished, the act: Allows the relinquishment petitioner (petitioner) to provide the juvenile court with documentation concerning the sexual assault or conception, including a sworn affidavit; Exempts the petitioner from having to satisfy certain relinquishment requirements if the court finds that the petitioner is a victim of sexual assault that resulted in the conception of the child to be relinquished; and Exempts the petitioner of all legal obligations they may have with respect to the child if the court grants a final order of relinquishment. On or before January 1, 2026, the state court administrator shall develop a, or modify an existing, standardized form for a petitioner to file to terminate another person's parent-child legal relationship because the child was conceived as a result of sexual assault. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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