Committee backs bill clarifying no-contact orders after adoption and termination of parental rights

A committee advanced SB 823, a bill that clarifies the court's authority to consider no-contact or supervised-contact orders between a child and a biological parent or relative after termination of parental rights or following adoption.

Miss Bernstein, sponsor of the bill, said the measure would give judges statutory guidance and require parties with knowledge of prior abuse or criminal conduct to bring that information to the court when a no-contact or supervised-contact order is being considered. She said the measure does not change the family court's paramount duty to decide in the child's best interest.

Several members asked whether judges already possess this authority and whether the bill would apply retroactively to existing orders. Mr. McCravey and others said they expected family-court judges to have discretion already, but proponents said SB 823 provides a specific statutory mechanism to enter continuing no-contact or supervised-contact orders and that it is prospective; proponents acknowledged the bill would not automatically alter prior orders but noted courts can be petitioned under the child's best-interest standard.

Committee members recounted extensive subcommittee testimony, including a personal account from a parent describing the consequences of contact after adoption. The committee voted and reported SB 823 favorably.

Next steps: The bill will move forward to the floor; sponsors said it is intended to strengthen protections for children in future proceedings.