Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SSB1006

Introduced

1/14/25

Refer

1/14/25

Caption

A bill for an act authorizing the waiver of preplacement investigations and reports in certain adoption proceedings.(See SF 154.)

Impact

The bill amends the provisions under Iowa law regarding adoption to include more flexible options for individuals who are current legal guardians. Previously, waivers were only permissible for relatives within the fourth degree of consanguinity. This change is designed to accelerate the adoption process for those who have built significant relationships with the minors they wish to adopt, acknowledging their existing ties and responsibilities.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 1006 (SSB1006) proposes adjustments to the existing adoption process by allowing for the waiver of preplacement investigations and reports under specific circumstances. The bill allows a juvenile court to waive these investigations if the adoption petitioner has been the legal guardian of the individual being adopted for at least 36 consecutive months before filing the adoption petition. The intent behind this legislation is to streamline the adoption process, thereby reducing the burdensome requirements that potential adoptive parents might face when they have already provided care for the child over an extended period.

Contention

However, this bill may spark debate over the adequacy of preplacement investigations, which are designed to ensure the safety and well-being of children within the adoption system. Critics may argue that waiving these investigations could overlook potential concerns related to the background of the guardian, especially if there are undisclosed criminal convictions or child abuse reports. The provision that requires guardians to inform the court of any criminal history prior to the final adoption hearing seeks to mitigate these concerns, but the effectiveness of this measure could be debated during discussions.

Latest IA SSB1006 Activity

View All Events: IA 2025-2026 Regular Session SSB1006

Companion Bills

IA SF154

Replaced by A bill for an act authorizing the waiver of preplacement investigations and reports in certain adoption proceedings.(Formerly SSB 1006.)

IA HF314

Replaced by A bill for an act authorizing the waiver of preplacement investigations and reports in certain adoption proceedings. (Formerly HSB 41.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA HSB41

Related A bill for an act authorizing the waiver of preplacement investigations and reports in certain adoption proceedings.(See HF 314.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF59

A bill for an act relating to waiver of the placement investigations and reports related to the adoption of a minor by a minor's legal guardian.(See HF 469.)

IA HF469

A bill for an act relating to waiver of the placement investigations and reports related to the adoption of a minor by a minor's legal guardian.(Formerly HF 59.)

IA HF61

A bill for an act relating to adoption proceedings by providing for representation of adoptive parents and guardians ad litem by local public defenders for children in certain adoption proceedings and modifying filing requirements for adoption petitions and notice requirements for adoption hearings of adults.(See HF 398.)

IA HF398

IA HF2671

A bill for an act relating to aid, processes, services, and support staff for children in, adopted from, or in need of foster care, including the establishment of a legal representation for juvenile cases interim study committee, and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 2242.)

IA HF2242

A bill for an act relating to aid, processes, services, and support staff for children in, adopted from, or in need of foster care, and making appropriations.(See HF 2671.)

IA SSB1166

A bill for an act relating to mental health and disability services provided by the state and judicial procedures relating to child in need of assistance proceedings, adoptions, and the confinement of persons found incompetent to stand trial.(See SF 471.)

IA SSB3005

A bill for an act relating to responsibility for payment of fees relating to termination of parental rights proceedings.(See SF 2350, SF 2403.)

IA SSB3124

A bill for an act relating to processes overseen by the department of health and human services, including internal adoption information sharing, dependent adult abuse matters, juvenile justice court filings, and mandatory reporter training.(See SF 2355.)

IA HF22

A bill for an act relating to payment for placement investigations relating to an adoption.

Similar Bills

AL SB94

Adoption, Minor Adoption Code and Adult Adoption Code revised, procedures related to investigations, service of notice, and revocation of consent further provided for, duties of Department of Human Resources further provided for

IA HF314

A bill for an act authorizing the waiver of preplacement investigations and reports in certain adoption proceedings. (Formerly HSB 41.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA SF154

A bill for an act authorizing the waiver of preplacement investigations and reports in certain adoption proceedings.(Formerly SSB 1006.)

IA HSB41

A bill for an act authorizing the waiver of preplacement investigations and reports in certain adoption proceedings.(See HF 314.)

AL HB190

PA HB1371

Providing for duties of certifying officials and certifying agencies regarding the processing of certification form petitions.

CA AB2353

Guardian adoption.

AL HB101

Relating to adoption; to add Chapter 10E and Chapter 10F to Title 26 of the Code of Alabama 1975, and Section 12-15-115.1 to the Code of Alabama 1975; to amend Section 12-15-133 of the Code of Alabama 1975; to repeal Section 12-12-35 of the Code of Alabama 1975, and Chapter 10A of Title 26 of the Code of Alabama 1975; to create the Alabama Minor Adoption Code and the Alabama Adult Adoption Code; to provide for jurisdictional and procedural requirements relating to adoptions; to provide for the communication of certain courts handling adoption-related proceedings; to provide that certain individuals must consent to an adoption; to provide for the confidentiality of certain adoption records; to provide for investigative requirements for the adoption of a minor; to provide procedures to adopt an adult; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.