Bill > SB450

This bill makes several changes to California's adoption laws, primarily expanding the court's jurisdiction for adoption proceedings and clarifying documentation requirements. Specifically, the bill expands the court's jurisdiction to include adoption proceedings for California-born minors in two new scenarios: when proceedings to free the child from parental custody are not required for adoption, and when such proceedings are being brought in the state. The bill also mandates that adoption orders for unmarried minors must include the names of adoptive parents and any existing parents who will maintain parental rights after the adoption is finalized. For out-of-state adoption petitioners, the bill requires that if their home study report does not meet California's standards or is missing required information, the petitioner must provide additional documentation to complete the adoption investigation. The legislation aims to provide more clarity and flexibility in adoption processes while ensuring thorough evaluation of prospective adoptive families. The bill explicitly notes that these new provisions do not limit jurisdiction already permitted under the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, maintaining existing protections for children in adoption proceedings.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB450