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 removal of certain requirements for adoption petitions, such as the verification of reasonable expenses by the court, and the introduction of new provisions that clarify the responsibilities of child-placing agencies. Specifically, the bill stipulates that compensation for services provided by child-placing agencies must be documented in a financial agreement and that fees cannot be contingent upon the placement of a child for adoption. Additionally, it allows for the department of health and human services to provide adoption services in cases of conflict of interest with a child-placing agency.

The bill also includes provisions for the revocation of licenses for child-placing agencies under specific circumstances, such as fraudulent representations or violations of regulations. It establishes penalties for individuals who willfully violate the adoption laws, classifying such violations as a class C felony. Furthermore, the bill repeals two existing sections of the North Dakota Century Code that pertain to out-of-state child-placing agencies and the revocation of licenses, streamlining the legal framework governing adoption practices in the state.

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