Texas Senate Bill SB327

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 11/13/24

Caption

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Adoption Assistance Program.

Impact

The Texas Adoption Assistance Program intends to make adoption more affordable for families by offering financial support. The structure of the grants is tiered, dependent on the annual gross household income of adoptive parents, with grants covering up to 50 percent of qualifying adoption-related expenses for families earning less than $110,000. This initiative not only aims to alleviate financial barriers to adoption but also reflects a broader commitment to improving outcomes for children in state care by encouraging permanent placements.

Summary

Senate Bill 327 establishes the Texas Adoption Assistance Program, aimed at facilitating and encouraging adoption in Texas by providing financial assistance to adoptive parents. The program, to be administered by the comptroller, is designed to assist families with adoption-related expenses, thereby potentially increasing the number of children adopted from the Texas foster care system. The bill outlines various parameters, including the maximum amounts available in grants based on the income of eligible parents, as well as the obligations of organizations participating in the program.

Contention

The bill requires that organizations seeking certification to administer the adoption assistance grants adhere to stringent requirements, including independent annual audits and a commitment to distribute at least 97 percent of donated funds directly for grants. This provision may raise concerns regarding regulation and oversight, as organizations must maintain compliance to avoid losing their certification. Potential debates may arise surrounding the effectiveness of state oversight and the capability of nonprofit organizations to adequately address the needs of adopting families in a timely manner.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Family Code

• Chapter 162. Adoption
  • Section: New Section