SB 6457-S - DIGEST

(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 2/13/04)

Declares an intent to convene a study panel composed of four members from the legislature.

Directs the study panel to create an advisory committee of invited representatives from federally recognized Indian tribes, the Washington state bar association, the judiciary, adoption agencies and child-placing agencies including state, nonprofit, and those agencies providing services for domestic or international adoptions, adoptive parents, and adoptees to participate in the study panel.

Directs the study panel to solicit comments from the community, study, and report findings and recommendations 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; assisted reproductive technology; discrimination in adoption based upon ability to pay, race, color, or national origin of child or parent; background checks; and agency licensing and credentialing. The study panel shall report its findings to the legislature by January 1, 2005.