Bill > HF314

This bill modifies Iowa's adoption investigation and reporting requirements, making it easier to waive preplacement investigations and reports in certain situations. Specifically, the bill allows courts to waive mandatory investigations and reports when the adoption petitioner is a relative within the fourth degree of consanguinity (close family relation) or is the current legal guardian who has been caring for the person to be adopted for 36 consecutive months and has complied with relevant guardianship regulations. The bill also clarifies that investigations are not required for adult adoptions or stepparent adoptions, though courts can still request them if deemed necessary. If an adoption petitioner has a criminal conviction or founded child abuse report beyond a simple misdemeanor, they must disclose this information to the court, which will then decide whether to waive the investigation requirements. Additionally, the bill adjusts rules about the validity of preplacement investigation reports, extending the timeline for certain relatives who have assumed custody of a minor to be adopted. The changes aim to streamline the adoption process while maintaining safeguards to protect the interests of those being adopted.

Judiciary (House)

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF314