family court; false statements; penalties

HB 4003 protects parents who make domestic violence allegations in family court in good faith to protect a child or vulnerable person, ensuring unsubstantiated claims (not proven false) cannot be used against them. It establishes clear standards: parents face sanctions (like fines under $5,000 or attorney fees) only if a court finds by clear evidence they knowingly made false claims to harass, retaliate, or delay proceedings. Courts must document findings and refer willful false allegations to prosecutors for potential perjury charges. The law also mandates judicial training to distinguish between unsubstantiated claims and deliberate lies, while prohibiting the use of recanted or unconfirmed allegations to prove parental unfitness.