This bill aims to eliminate interlocutory decrees of adoption and amend the Revised Uniform Adoption Act in Arkansas. Key changes include the removal of references to "interlocutory decrees" throughout various sections of the law, which will now only recognize a final decree of adoption. For instance, the requirement for a petitioner to complete an adoption information sheet is now tied solely to the entry of a final decree. Additionally, the bill clarifies that no orders of adoption can be entered prior to the withdrawal period, and it specifies that a final decree of adoption will have the same legal effect as previously stated for interlocutory decrees.

The bill also addresses the jurisdiction over adoption petitions, stating that the state retains jurisdiction if the child or the person seeking to adopt is a resident. It outlines the residency requirements for children under and over six months of age and stipulates that the circuit court retains jurisdiction for adoption orders even if a juvenile is placed outside Arkansas. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for the termination of parental rights and the issuance of new birth records following a final decree of adoption. Importantly, it specifies that the act will only affect decrees entered after its effective date, ensuring that any interlocutory decrees issued prior to this act remain valid.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB599 Original - 4-1-2025 02:37 PM: 9-9-104(c), 9-9-205(a), 9-9-212(a), 9-9-213, 9-9-214(c), 9-9-215, 9-9-219, 9-9-220(a), 9-14-237(a), 9-27-306(a), 23-98-106(a)
SB 599: 9-9-104(c), 9-9-205(a), 9-9-212(a), 9-9-213, 9-9-214(c), 9-9-215, 9-9-219, 9-9-220(a), 9-14-237(a), 9-27-306(a), 23-98-106(a)