Bill > SB417

This bill introduces a new legal pathway called "confirmatory adoption" for parents who have children through assisted reproduction, particularly when the child is born to a married couple or with the consent of all parents, and there are no competing claims of parentage. The bill amends the New Mexico Adoption Act and Uniform Parentage Act to streamline the adoption process for these families by significantly reducing procedural requirements. Specifically, the bill allows parents to file a simplified petition for confirmatory adoption that includes basic documentation like signatures, marriage certificates, and a declaration about the child's birth. The court is required to grant such petitions within 30 days, and parents are not required to undergo typical adoption procedures like home studies, interviews, criminal background checks, or hearings. The bill also clarifies that confirmatory adoptions cannot be denied based on the parents' marital status or the number of parents, and that not pursuing a confirmatory adoption cannot be used as evidence in future parental rights disputes. This legislation aims to provide a more straightforward legal mechanism for recognizing parentage in cases of assisted reproduction, particularly for LGBTQ+ and non-traditional families.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=417&year=25