WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SF 236

A bill for an act relating to certain sincerely held religious or moral beliefs of child foster care providers and prospective adoptive parents.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sandy Salmon

Bill SF 236 protects foster care and adoptive parents' religious beliefs from disqualification, promoting inclusivity while prioritizing children's best interests in placements.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 473.
#adoptions #attorneygeneral #children #fostercare #gender #healthandhumanservicesdepartment #parents #religion #sexualorientation
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SF 236

Summary of Bill SF 236

Bill Number: SF 236
Title: A bill for an act relating to certain sincerely held religious or moral beliefs of child foster care providers and prospective adoptive parents.
Status: Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 473.
Introduced: February 10, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Adoptions, Attorney General, Children, Foster Care, Gender, Health and Human Services Department, Parents, Religion, Sexual Orientation

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill SF 236 is to protect the rights of child foster care providers and prospective adoptive parents by ensuring that their sincerely held religious or moral beliefs are not used as a basis for disqualification in the foster care and adoption processes. The bill aims to create a more inclusive environment for individuals who may hold specific beliefs regarding sexual orientation and identity.

Key Provisions

  • Prohibition of Disqualification: The bill prohibits the Health and Human Services (HHS) department and its designees from adopting any standards, policies, or rules that would disqualify a foster parent based on their beliefs related to sexual orientation or identity.

  • Consideration of Beliefs: While the bill protects the beliefs of foster parents, it also allows HHS to consider the beliefs of the child and their family of origin when determining the most appropriate placement for the child, ensuring that the best interests of the child are prioritized.

  • Legal Recourse: Current or prospective foster care providers who believe their rights under this bill have been violated can bring legal action. Courts may provide various forms of relief, including injunctive and declaratory relief, and may award reasonable attorney fees and costs.

  • Attorney General Enforcement: The Attorney General has the authority to enforce the provisions of this bill, ensuring compliance and addressing violations.

  • Adoptive Parents: The bill includes similar protections and rights for prospective adoptive parents, mirroring the provisions established for foster care providers.

Impact

This bill is expected to affect:

  • Foster Care Providers: Individuals seeking to become foster parents may feel more secure in their ability to express their beliefs without fear of disqualification.

  • Prospective Adoptive Parents: Those looking to adopt will also benefit from protections regarding their beliefs, potentially increasing the pool of adoptive parents.

  • Children in Foster Care: The bill aims to balance the beliefs of foster parents with the needs and backgrounds of children, which may lead to more suitable placements.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 10, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Health and Human Services Committee.
  • February 11, 2025: Subcommittee formed, consisting of members Salmon, Pike, and Trone Garriott.
  • February 12, 2025: Subcommittee meeting held to discuss the bill.
  • February 24, 2025: Subcommittee recommends passage of the bill.
  • February 27, 2025: Committee report approving the bill, which has been renumbered as SF 473.

This summary provides an overview of Bill SF 236, highlighting its intent, key provisions, and potential impact on foster care and adoption processes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.