This bill amends and reenacts several sections of the North Dakota Century Code related to the revised uniform adoption act and child-placing agencies. Key amendments include the requirement for a petition for adoption to include specific details about the individual to be adopted and the petitioner, while removing the necessity for the petitioner to verify that their expenses were reasonable. Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions regarding the investigation process for adoption petitions, allowing for investigations to be conducted by the department when a child-placing agency has a conflict of interest. It also clarifies the compensation structure for child-placing agencies, ensuring that fees are reasonable and not contingent upon the adoption's success.

Furthermore, the bill repeals sections concerning out-of-state child-placing agencies and the revocation of licenses, while establishing penalties for violations of the adoption laws. It specifies that adoption services may be provided by the department in cases of conflict of interest and outlines the conditions under which a parent can place their child for adoption without a license. The bill aims to streamline the adoption process while ensuring the welfare of children and the integrity of child-placing agencies.

Statutes affected:
PREFILED: 14-15-09, 14-15-11, 50-12-09, 50-12-10, 50-12-17
Adopted by the House Human Services Committee: 14-15-09, 14-15-11, 50-12-09, 50-12-10, 50-12-17
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 14-15-09, 14-15-11, 50-12-09, 50-12-10, 50-12-17
Enrollment: 14-15-09, 14-15-11, 50-12-09, 50-12-10, 50-12-17
INTRODUCED: 14-15-09, 14-15-11, 50-12-09, 50-12-10, 50-12-17