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HB 1292

RELATING TO GOVERNMENTAL EFFICIENCY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 6 co-sponsors

House Bill 1292 streamlines Arkansas adoption by requiring a six-month residency for minors in adoptive homes, enhancing efficiency and supporting older minors' needs.

The committee(s) on ECD recommend(s) that the measure be deferred.
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Bill Summary · HB 1292

Summary of House Bill 1292: Relating to Governmental Efficiency

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HB 1292
Introduced: January 29, 2025
Status: Deferred by the committee on Economic Development (ECD)
Subject: Adoption residency requirements
Sponsored by: Representative Bentley and Senator K. Hammer

The purpose of House Bill 1292 is to amend the residency requirements for the adoption of minors in the state of Arkansas. This bill seeks to streamline the adoption process by clarifying the conditions under which a final decree of adoption can be issued.

Key Provisions

The bill amends Arkansas Code § 9-9-213, specifically addressing the residency requirements for minors being adopted. The main changes include:

  1. Residency Duration:

    • For minors not in the custody of the Department of Human Services (DHS), a final decree of adoption cannot be issued until the minor has lived in the adoptive home for at least six months after:
      • Placement by a licensed child placement agency.
      • The petition for adoption is filed.
    • This requirement does not apply if the minor is:
      • A stepchild of the petitioner.
      • Less than six months old at the time the petition is filed.

  2. Exceptions for Minors in DHS Custody:

    • For minors in DHS custody, the same six-month residency requirement applies unless:
      • The minor requires medically necessary health care outside the home.
      • The minor is less than six months old.
      • The residency requirement is waived by the Director of the Division of Children and Family Services for minors aged sixteen or older participating in life skills, technical, or vocational programs.

  3. Clarifications on Age:

    • The bill specifies that the residency requirements do not apply to minors under six months of age at the time the petition is filed, regardless of custody status.

Impact

The amendments proposed in HB 1292 are intended to:
- Facilitate the Adoption Process: By clarifying residency requirements, the bill aims to make the adoption process more efficient and accessible for prospective adoptive parents.
- Support Older Minors: The provision allowing for waivers for older minors participating in life skills or vocational programs acknowledges the unique needs of this demographic.

Procedural Timeline

  • January 29, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • February 4, 2025: Amendments were adopted, and the bill was engrossed.
  • February 12, 2025: The bill was recommended for passage as amended.
  • February 20, 2025: The bill passed the third reading in both the House and Senate.
  • February 25, 2025: Notification that HB 1292 is now Act 139.

Related Legislation

  • SB 1234: A companion bill that may address similar issues regarding adoption processes.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 1292, detailing its intent, key provisions, and potential impacts on the adoption process in Arkansas.

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

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