A new bill currently under consideration in California would allow children to have more than two parents if passed, MSNBC is reporting. The bill, known as SB 1476, was introduced by Sen. Mark Leno (D) from San Francisco. If SB 1476 is passed, it would amend the current law to allow children to have more than two parents, in order to protect their best interests.
Leno said SB 1476 would bring California into the 21st century, and recognize “that there are more than Ozzie and Harriet families today.” If the bill is passed, the additional parents would have to meet a court-established definition of a parent. While SB 1476 wouldn’t change the definition of a parent, it would eliminate the limit of two per child.
The inspiration for SB 1476 came from a state appellate court case last year. The young girl in the case had two mothers, and one was sent to prison, while the other was hospitalized. The girl’s biological father expressed interest in caring for her. But the court ruled that he couldn’t be the legal guardian, because of the current law allowing for only two parents. The state eventually took custody of the child.
The Senate passed SB 1476 in late May, and it’s next set to be considered by the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Monday. If passed, it would be similar to legislation already present in Delaware, Maine, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia.
Written by: Karen Benardello
