HB 5691

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Public Aid Code and the Illinois Parentage Act of 1984. Provides that in a proceeding under the Illinois Parentage Act of 1984, except in a case in which a party is in default, the court shall (instead of may, and upon request of a party shall) order or direct the mother, child, and alleged father to submit to DNA tests; provides an exception if both the mother and the alleged father have signed a waiver stating that (i) they have been informed of the requirement of DNA testing and (ii) they expressly waive that requirement. Provides that the Department of Healthcare and Family Services may not make an administrative determination of paternity, and the court may not enter a judgment of parentage, unless (1) the results of DNA tests of the mother, child, and alleged father have been admitted into evidence (provided that if a party is in default, the results of a DNA test need not be admitted into evidence) or (2) both the mother and the alleged father have signed a waiver stating that they have been informed of the requirement of DNA testing and they expressly waive that requirement. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to prescribe the form of the waiver and distribute copies of the waiver form to the circuit courts of the State. Effective immediately.