WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 2766

Adoption petitions; clarify that attached certificate may be executed by any physician.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tyler McCaughn and 2 co-sponsors

SB 2766 allows any licensed physician to sign the medical certificate for an adoption petition, reducing delays and bottlenecks and speeding adoptions for families and courts.

Approved by Governor
#judiciary #divisiona #youthandfamilyaffairs
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2766

SB 2766 — Summary

Status: Approved by the Governor
Introduced: March 14, 2025 (per bill header)
Subject: Judiciary — Youth and Family Affairs

Purpose and intent

SB 2766 clarifies who may sign the physician's certificate that is attached to an adoption petition. The bill specifies that the required certificate may be executed by any physician, removing or narrowing any statutory language that limited execution to a particular physician or class of physicians. The change is intended to reduce procedural delays and increase flexibility in obtaining the medical attestation needed for adoption filings.

Key provisions

  • Clarifies statutory language governing the physician’s certificate attached to adoption petitions by stating the certificate may be executed by any physician.
  • Does not (in the version provided) amend other substantive requirements for adoption petitions (such as contents of the certificate, timing, or filing procedures) beyond who may sign the certificate.
  • Applies to adoption petitions filed under the statutes referenced in the bill (division and chapter references not included in the supplied text).

Who is affected

  • Prospective adoptive parents and birth parents — may experience fewer delays when obtaining required medical certification.
  • Courts and clerks handling adoption petitions — may see reduced need to verify that a specific physician signed a certificate.
  • Physicians — any licensed physician may execute the certificate, increasing the pool of eligible signatories.
  • Adoption agencies and attorneys — administrative processes may be simplified when gathering required documentation.

Potential impact

  • Administrative benefit: greater flexibility should reduce procedural bottlenecks caused when a particular physician is unavailable.
  • Access: may help expedite adoption proceedings, particularly in rural or underserved areas.
  • Safeguards: the bill addresses who may sign but does not, based on the provided text, alter the substantive medical attestation requirements; practitioners and courts will continue to rely on existing standards for medical accuracy and competence.

Legislative timeline (as provided)

  • 2025-01-20 — Referred to Judiciary, Division A
  • 2025-02-11 — Referred to Youth and Family Affairs
  • 2025-02-06 to 2025-03-06 — Passed both chambers; committee recommendations of “Title Suff Do Pass” noted on 2025-01-30 and 2025-03-03
  • 2025-03-07 to 2025-03-11 — Enrolling and signing steps recorded
  • 2025-03-12 — Approved by Governor
  • 2025-03-14 — Filed / Received by the Secretary of the Senate
  • 2025-04-03 — Read first time; referred to Local Government

Note: the chronological entries provided contain some sequencing irregularities (e.g., an “Introduced” date after several enactment steps). Dates above are reported exactly as supplied.

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

Sign in to ask a question.