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HB 63

Adoption; de facto parent adoption authorized in certain circumstances

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Allen Treadaway

HB 63 allows de facto parents to adopt children while keeping biological parents' rights, providing legal recognition for diverse family structures in Alabama.

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Bill Summary · HB 63

Summary of HB 63: Adoption; De Facto Parent Adoption Authorized in Certain Circumstances

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HB 63
Title: Adoption; de facto parent adoption authorized in certain circumstances
Introduced: November 13, 2025
Status: Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Judiciary
Classification: Bill
Subject: Family Law

Purpose and Intent

HB 63, also known as Kylie's Law, aims to establish a legal framework that allows individuals who qualify as de facto parents to adopt a child while retaining the parental rights of the child's biological parent. This legislation addresses a gap in existing adoption laws, which currently only permit stepparent or relative adoptions under similar circumstances.

Key Provisions

  • De Facto Parent Definition: The bill defines a de facto parent as an individual who has:

    • Resided with the child as a regular member of the household for a significant period.
    • Engaged in consistent caretaking responsibilities for the child.
    • Undertaken full parental responsibilities without expecting financial compensation.
    • Held the child out as their own.
    • Established a bonded, dependent relationship with the child, supported by another parent.
    • Demonstrated that maintaining this relationship is in the child's best interest.

  • Adoption Process: The bill allows a de facto parent to petition for adoption with the consent of the custodial parent. The process will be treated similarly to stepparent adoptions under the Alabama Minor Adoption Code.

  • Evidence Requirement: Individuals seeking to adopt as de facto parents must provide clear and convincing evidence of their relationship with the child, as outlined in the provisions above.

  • Investigation and Suitability: A limited investigation will be conducted to assess the suitability of the de facto parent and the home environment, similar to existing stepparent adoption procedures.

Impact

  • Who is Affected: This bill primarily affects individuals who have taken on a parental role in a child's life without formal recognition through adoption. It also impacts custodial parents who wish to allow a de facto parent to adopt their child.

  • Legal Framework: By creating a formal process for de facto parent adoptions, the bill aims to provide legal recognition and stability for families that do not fit traditional adoption categories.

Procedural Aspects

  • Committee Review: The bill is currently pending action in the House Committee on Judiciary following its first reading on January 13, 2026.
  • Effective Date: If passed, the act will become effective immediately.

Conclusion

HB 63 represents a significant step toward recognizing the diverse family structures in Alabama by allowing de facto parents to adopt children under specific circumstances. This legislation seeks to ensure that children's best interests are prioritized while providing a legal pathway for those who have assumed parental roles in their lives.

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

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