Bill > HB481

This bill modifies and establishes comprehensive provisions related to child protection, custody, and adoption across multiple sections of Missouri law. The bill introduces new legal frameworks for preventing child abduction, regulating unregulated child custody transfers, and enhancing adoption practices. Key provisions include establishing the Uniform Child Abduction Prevention Act, which provides courts with tools to assess and prevent potential child abduction risks by considering factors such as a parent's immigration status, travel patterns, financial activities, and international travel destinations. The bill also creates the Uniform Unregulated Child Custody Transfer Act, which restricts parents and guardians from transferring child custody with the intent to abandon parental responsibilities, making such actions a misdemeanor. Additionally, the legislation mandates that child-placing agencies provide prospective adoptive parents with detailed information about a child's background, health history, and potential challenges, ensuring more informed and prepared adoptive placements. The bill aims to enhance child welfare protections by establishing clear legal guidelines for custody transfers, adoption processes, and prevention of potential child abduction scenarios, with provisions designed to prioritize the best interests and safety of children.

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https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB481&year=2025&code=R