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Lawmakers Hear Personal Testimony and Rights Concerns as They Consider 'Parental Alienation' Bill
Summary
Representatives and dozens of witnesses debated HB 13-23, a bill to define and address parental alienation in family court. Supporters described long-term harm to children and urged early intervention; opponents — including domestic-violence advocates — warned statutory language could be weaponized to counter abuse claims and urged careful drafting.
Representative Kim Rice opened the hearing for HB 13-23 by saying the bill is intended to prevent and correct parental alienation and to give courts clearer tools to intervene early. "A child should never be used as a weapon in adult conflict," Rice said, urging colleagues to prioritize the child's welfare.
Rice said the proposed law would clarify standards, strengthen remedies and prioritize timely intervention where children are being pressured to reject a loving parent. Rice described lasting harms — anxiety, depression and fractured relationships — and recounted a personal family case she said illustrated the bill's purpose.
Committee members pressed on definitions, evidence and constitutional questions. Representative Greg asked how a…
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