Bill > HB2123

This bill amends Pennsylvania law to enhance protections and clarify regulations within the adoption process. It mandates that in cases of voluntary relinquishment of a child for adoption, the placing parent must have separate legal representation from an attorney licensed in the Commonwealth, though they can waive this right in writing after being fully informed, and this waiver cannot be coerced. The bill also specifies that an attorney representing a placing parent cannot represent or be affiliated with prospective adoptive parents or agencies involved in the relinquishment. Additionally, it introduces new provisions for adoption intermediary services and advertising, defining these terms and requiring that only licensed agencies, the Department of Human Services, or licensed attorneys can provide these services, with penalties for violations. To support the administration and enforcement of these new regulations, an "Adoption Intermediary Services Fund" is established, to which fines collected from violations will be deposited. The bill also allows for training on transracial adoption, attachment, and trauma-informed parenting to be included in home studies.

Education, Labor and Employment

https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb2123