Posted: | January 20, 2017 04:36 PM |
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From: | Representative Scott A. Petri |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Adoption Package – Termination of Parental Rights |
In the near future, I will reintroduce my legislation designed to streamline and expedite the procedures for terminating parental rights in the course of the legal process to adopt a child in Pennsylvania. This legislation, previously HB 1525, is part of a package of legislation that is being reintroduced to reform Pennsylvania’s adoption laws and improve the adoption process. HB 1525 was unanimously reported from both the Children and Youth Committee and the House last session. My legislation amends Section 2503 of Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of Pa. C.S. by requiring the courts to set a hearing date no more than 20 days after the birth parent(s) file with the court a petition voluntarily relinquishing their parental rights pursuant to Sections 2501 and 2502 of Title 23. The petitioner may request a later hearing date; however, it cannot exceed 30 days after the filing of the petition. Current law requires the court to set a hearing date no less than 10 days after the relinquishment petition is filed, but does not stipulate a deadline for scheduling such a hearing. In addition to expediting the adoption hearing, my legislation amends Title 23 by:
I believe this legislation, as well as the other bills in the aforementioned legislative package, will significantly improve Pennsylvania’s adoption laws and make it easier for adoptive parents to provide stable and loving homes for children in need of them. Please consider cosponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as HB57