Senate Approves Bill to Exempt Grandparents from Adoption Costs

The state Senate on Thursday unanimously approved legislation that would exempt an adoptive grandparent from any court costs associated with adoption.

Sen. Kenneth Corn, author of Senate Bill 254, said the measure would help provide healthy environments for children by removing another impediment for grandparents seeking to care for their grandchildren.

“With divorce rates being as high as they are, it’s now more important than ever that our children have good homes,” said Corn, D-Poteau. “Grandparents seeking to provide love and guidance to their grandchildren should be able to do so without excessive costs. This measure would ensure that grandparents are not deterred by punitive fees.”

SB 254 would also waive pre-placement home study requirements in certain adoptive cases if the petitioning grandparent has no record of felony convictions, domestic violence or protective orders.

“The family is the foundation of our society, and it’s important that the Legislature do everything in its power to guarantee that children grow up in loving homes,” Corn said. “I’m pleased the Senate was able to come together on this issue and unanimously pass the bill.”