Bill > HR7236

This bill, titled the "In Good Standing Adoption Agencies Act of 2026," mandates that states provide the Secretary of Health and Human Services with an annual list of private child placement agencies—those that place children in adoptive homes—that are licensed, in good standing with the state, and recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Secretary, through the U.S. Children's Bureau, will then compile and maintain a publicly accessible national list of these agencies. Furthermore, the bill requires the Secretary to report annually to Congress, including the national list and any agencies licensed by a state but not appearing on the list, along with details of any disciplinary actions taken by states against private child placement agencies. To ensure compliance, states that fail to submit the required list will lose eligibility for adoption and legal guardianship incentive payments, which are federal funds designed to encourage states to improve child welfare services.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7236/all-info