House Bill No. 568 enacts new provisions under R.S. 14:67.5 regarding "adoption deception," specifically addressing the actions of birth mothers or individuals posing as such who engage in deceptive practices related to adoption plans. The bill defines adoption deception as occurring when a person knowingly or intentionally benefits from the payment of adoption-related expenses while having the specific intent to make false representations to induce such payments. This addition aims to clarify the elements of the offense and establish accountability for those who exploit the adoption process for personal gain.
Furthermore, the bill includes a provision that exempts individuals who, after agreeing to an adoption plan, in good faith choose to parent the child instead of proceeding with the adoption. This clause ensures that those who genuinely reconsider their adoption plans are not penalized under the new law, promoting a more compassionate approach to the complexities surrounding adoption decisions.