House Bill 1487 amends Florida's laws regarding surrogacy and assisted reproduction, particularly focusing on preplanned adoption agreements. The bill prohibits these agreements from allowing the adoption of a child by a "disqualified person" or a child conceived through gestational surrogacy. It mandates that all parties involved in a preplanned adoption have independent legal representation and undergo background checks. Additionally, it clarifies that if an adoption is denied due to the disqualification of intended parents, the biological mother retains all parental rights. The bill also introduces new regulations for donor banks and fertility clinics, requiring them to be licensed, maintain clear records, and undergo annual inspections.
Furthermore, the bill establishes comprehensive regulations for surrogacy agencies, including the requirement for mental health and medical evaluations for participants and the maintenance of separate accounts for surrogacy-related funds. It replaces the term "volunteer mother" with "biological mother" to clarify rights and responsibilities and introduces new sections defining assisted reproduction facilities and surrogacy agencies. The bill also outlines a preconception validation process for surrogacy contracts, allowing commissioning couples to petition a court for validation under specific conditions. Overall, HB 1487 aims to enhance the legal framework surrounding surrogacy and adoption in Florida, ensuring better protection for all parties involved.
Statutes affected: H 1487 Filed: 63.213