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SB 104

ADOPT-CONFIDENTIAL INTERMED

104th Regular Session Introduced by Li Arellano and 2 co-sponsors

Illinois law now protects adoption intermediaries' confidential communications with adoption parties, effective January 1, 2026, encouraging ethical adoption facilitation practices.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 104

Legislative bill overview

SB 104 establishes confidentiality protections for adoption intermediaries in Illinois, creating legal safeguards for individuals and organizations that facilitate adoptions. The bill became effective January 1, 2026, and passed with overwhelming bipartisan support (110-3 in the House).

Why is this important

Adoption intermediaries—including attorneys, agencies, and counselors—often handle sensitive personal information about birth parents, adoptive families, and children. Confidentiality protections encourage these professionals to operate transparently with adoption parties while shielding them from compelled disclosure of privileged communications, which can facilitate more ethical adoption processes and protect vulnerable individuals involved in adoption proceedings.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy vs. Transparency: Some may argue that broad confidentiality for intermediaries could shield unethical practices or make it harder for adoptees to access information about their origins and background
  • Scope of Protection: Questions about which intermediaries qualify for protection and whether the confidentiality extends to all communications or only certain types of information exchanged during adoption processes
  • Legal Discovery Limits: Concerns that confidentiality protections could impede legitimate legal investigations or court proceedings involving adoption-related disputes or fraud allegations

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

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