STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS30461 / S1126
Children in foster care may be adopted by families and relatives who do not live in Idaho. According to
Section 16-1506, Idaho Code, before a family can petition a court for adoption in Idaho they must reside in
and maintain a dwelling in Idaho for six (6) consecutive months. It is in the best interest of foster children and
the state that adoptions do not require an out-of-state family to reside in Idaho for six (6) consecutive months.
This requirement delays a permanent home for some children and keeps the state involved with children and
adoptive families lives longer than is required or helpful. In some cases, adoption and the permanent home
have been delayed for years. This change allows children to achieve timely permanency the court has sufficient
information about the child and family to finalize the adoption.
FISCAL NOTE
The projected impact is negligible. There will be some small savings to the state when children achieve
permanency earlier; however, the cases are rare enough that they will not result in a significant savings.
Contact:
Senator Julie VanOrden
(208) 332-1000
Senator Abby Lee
(208) 332-1000
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN INTRODUCED: 02/27/2023, 9:57 AM


Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 16-1506