Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Children & Family Services Committee

SSB 5537

Brief Description:  Regulating internet advertisement for adoption.

Sponsors:  By Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Franklin, Hochstatter, Winsley, Regala, Prentice, Patterson, Rasmussen, Hargrove, Costa, Kohl‑Welles, Long, Shin, Kastama, Fairley, Thibaudeau, Eide, Snyder, Kline, T. Sheldon, Jacobsen, Constantine, Stevens and Oke).

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

$Prohibits using electronic mail or websites to advertise a child for adoption or the ability to place or receive a child for adoption by unauthorized persons or agencies.

Hearing Date:  3/26/01

Staff:  Tracey Taylor (786‑7196).

Background: 

Advertising a child offered for adoption or the ability to place or receive a child for adoption is prohibited unless the person or entity responsible for the advertisement is:  (1) a duly authorized agent, contractee, or employee of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), (2) a children=s agency or institution licensed by DSHS to care for and place children, or (3) a person who has completed a preplacement form and received a favorable recommendation as to his or her fitness to be an adoptive parent.

An advertisement is defined as a communication by newspaper, radio, television, handbills, placards, or other print, broadcast, or the electronic medium.

Summary of Bill: 

The definition of ?advertisement@ is amended to include electronic mail and websites; thus only authorized persons or agencies may advertise a child offered for adoption or the ability to place or receive a child for adoption using electronic mail and websites.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.