Bill > S05737

This bill amends the New York Social Services Law to expand the time frame during which adoptive parents can pay certain expenses related to adoption. Specifically, the bill increases the allowable period for covering a birth mother's reasonable expenses from 60 days to 180 days prior to the child's birth, and from 30 days to 45 days after the birth (or 45 days after parental consent to adoption). The bill maintains existing prohibitions against unauthorized compensation in adoption proceedings while clarifying the specific expenses that can be legally covered, such as medical fees, housing, maternity and child clothing, and transportation. The law continues to restrict attorneys from representing both the birth parent and adoptive parent in the same adoption proceeding, ensuring ethical boundaries in adoption-related legal services. The changes aim to provide more flexibility and support for adoptive parents during the adoption process while maintaining safeguards against improper financial transactions. The amendment will take effect 30 days after becoming law, with immediate authorization for preparing implementation regulations.

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https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5737