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Bill

S 1977

An Act reducing the costs for adoption

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ryan Fattman and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill to lower adoption costs through unspecified fiscal mechanisms, currently under committee review to expand family access to adoption services.

Reporting date extended to Thursday June 25, 2026
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Bill Summary · S 1977

Legislative bill overview

S 1977 proposes measures to reduce financial barriers to adoption in Massachusetts by lowering costs associated with the adoption process. The bill has been referred to the Revenue Committee, suggesting it may involve tax credits, fee reductions, or other fiscal mechanisms to make adoption more affordable for families.

Why is this important

Adoption costs—including legal fees, agency fees, and home study expenses—can range from $10,000 to $40,000+, creating significant barriers for middle and lower-income families. Reducing these costs could expand access to adoption and increase the number of children placed in stable homes, while also supporting the state's child welfare goals.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: Reducing adoption-related fees or expanding tax credits requires state revenue allocation, which may face opposition during budget constraints
  • Scope of benefits: Questions about whether cost reductions apply to all adoption types (domestic, foster-to-adopt, international) or only specific categories
  • Implementation details: Uncertainty about whether costs shift to state agencies, whether private adoption agencies are affected, and how the program would be administered

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

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