Wisconsin Senate Bill SB346

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/21/23
• Refer: 6/21/23
• Report Pass: 10/9/23
• Engrossed: 10/17/23
• Refer: 10/19/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

A grant program for financial assistance for adoption and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

The legislation stipulates that financial awards will be capped at $10,000 per adopting family and limits the use of grant funds, allowing no more than 2.5% for administrative costs. Furthermore, eligibility for this financial assistance is restricted to families that have reached a specific stage in the adoption process. This structure is designed to ensure that funds are used effectively and directed to families who are engaged in the adoption process actively, fostering a more efficient use of state resources.

Summary

Senate Bill 346 establishes a financial assistance grant program for prospective adoptive families in Wisconsin. The bill mandates that the Department of Children and Families (DCF) administer a competitive grant program, making an appropriation of $5,000,000 for the 2023-25 fiscal biennium. Under this program, DCF is required to award a grant to one organization that provides financial aid specifically geared towards adoption expenses for families adopting children from within the state. The intent is to assist families with incurred costs associated with the adoption process, which can often be prohibitively expensive.

Reporting

Senate Bill 346 also necessitates that recipients of the grant submit reporting on how the funds were utilized. This accountability measure is intended to provide transparency regarding the use of state funds in assisting families with adoption, ensuring that the legislature is kept informed on the program's effectiveness and operational integrity. The requirement for reporting aims to promote good governance and oversight of the grant program as it moves forward.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding SB346 may arise from the competitive nature of the grant program and eligibility requirements. Critics could argue that by restricting grants to one organization and implementing the stage-specific eligibility requirements, the bill may inadvertently disadvantage certain families seeking adoption assistance, particularly those who might require aid at an earlier stage in the process. Additionally, there may be debates over the appropriateness of imposing administrative cost limits, potentially impacting the grant recipient's ability to manage the program effectively.