BILL REQ. #:  H-5290.1 

Read first time .   Referred to .

     WHEREAS, The adoption process can seem complicated, time consuming, and frustrating; and
     WHEREAS, Options for prospective adoptive parents to consider include whether to adopt a child from the United States or from another country, whether or not to adopt a child from the foster care system, the degree of desired contact between the adoptive family and the child's birth family following the adoption, and the type of agency or method of adoption to be used;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, By the House of Representatives of the state of Washington, the Senate concurring, That a legislative study panel on issues relating to adoption be created to be composed of four members as follows:
     Two members of the Senate to be appointed by the President of the Senate, including one member of the majority party and one member of the minority party; and
     Two members of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, including one member from the majority party and one member from the minority party; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the study panel shall invite the participation of the Governor. The study panel shall create an advisory committee to participate in the study panel composed of the following invited individuals: Representatives from federally recognized Indian tribes, the Washington State Bar Association, the judiciary, and adoption agencies and child-placing agencies including state agencies, nonprofit agencies, and those agencies providing services for domestic or international adoptions; adoptive parents; and adoptees; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the study panel shall study and report findings and recommendations, as well as solicit comments from the community, regarding the current adoption statutes and policies related to the following issues: Adoption-related fees; barriers to adoption; child selling and buying; adoption facilitation, advertising, and marketing; discrimination in adoption based upon ability to pay, race, color, or national origin of child or parent; background checks; and agency licensing and credentialing; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the study panel shall report its findings to the legislature by January 1, 2005.