House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

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House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	February 11, 2013 12:54 PM
From:	Representative Scott A. Petri
To:	All House members
Subject:	Adoption Package - Corrected Copy

In the near future, I plan to reintroduce the following legislation pertaining to adoptions. If you have any questions, or if you would like a copy of the legislation, please contact Lea Farrell at 787-9033 or lfarrell@pahousegop.com.

Document #1

Introduced as HB736

Description:	Former House Bill 446 (Appeal of Local Adoption Subsidy): will amend the Public Welfare Code by providing for the ability of adoptive families to appeal to the Department of Public Welfare the adoption subsidy amount provided by local authorities

Document #2

Introduced as HB739

Description:	Former House Bill 447 (Licensed Intermediary): will amend the Domestic Relations Code by adding to the definition of “Intermediary” the requirement that persons acting in such capacity be licensed attorneys or social workers.

Document #3

Introduced as HB740

Description:	Former House Bill 448 (Relinquishment of Parental Rights Procedure): will amend the Domestic Relations Code to add a provision that the court may enter a decree of termination of parental rights in the case of their relinquishment to an adult or a decree of termination of parental rights and duties, including the obligation of support, in the case of their relinquishment to an agency.

Document #4

Introduced as HB728

Description:	Former House Bill 449 (Counseling Services): will amend the Domestic Relations Code by establishing a new section, which will prescribe the process for adoption related counseling services to be administered by each county within the Commonwealth. This proposal will require that each county establish a specific fund for providing counseling services for birth parents in addition to developing and maintaining a list of qualified counselors. Furthermore, my proposal provides for a right to counseling whenever the parents are found to be unable to pay for counseling or may face financial hardship as a result of payment.

Document #5

Introduced as HB733

Description:	Former House Bill 450 (Adoption Care): will amend the Domestic Relations Code by requiring that reasonable and specific living expenses incurred by the natural mother be provided three months prior to the due date and 60 days after the birth of the child.

Document #6

Introduced as HB738

Description:	Former House Bill 451 (Adoption Consents and Notices): will amend the Domestic Relations Code by doing the following: Constricting the time to 96 hours in which the consent to an adoption by the birth mother or father or putative father can be revoked. Further defines the validity of consent with respect to both the birth mother and putative father. Provides that no further notice relating to consent hearings are necessary when parental rights are terminated, such individuals have executed consent to adopt, and the consents are valid.

Description:

Former House Bill 451 (Adoption Consents and Notices): will amend the Domestic Relations Code by doing the following:

Constricting the time to 96 hours in which the consent to an adoption by the birth mother or father or putative father can be revoked.
Further defines the validity of consent with respect to both the birth mother and putative father.
Provides that no further notice relating to consent hearings are necessary when parental rights are terminated, such individuals have executed consent to adopt, and the consents are valid.