Contentious hearing on 3‑strikes custody bill: supporters cite parental alienation, opponents warn of chilling effects on reports and child safety

The House Judiciary Committee heard lengthy and often emotional testimony on Senate Bill 2,186, which would create escalating penalties for parents who remove or withhold children in violation of custody decrees (including intrastate removals) and impose penalties for knowingly false reports to law enforcement or the Department of Health and Human Services.

Supporters described the bill as a needed deterrent to parental alienation and custodial interference that, they said, can inflict lasting harm on children. "Parental alienation is a form of severe child abuse with lifelong consequences," testified Todd Peterson of West Fargo, describing cases where parents were effectively denied contact with their children for months. Robert Garza, who testified as the…