BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 2306
89R15626 KRM-D	By: Parker
	Health & Human Services
	4/17/2025
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

The adoption process provides a critical pathway to permanency for children in need of loving families. However, private adoptions often come with substantial financial burdens that can place them out of reach for many prospective parents. Costs associated with private adoptions�including agency fees, legal expenses, home studies, and other administrative costs�can vary widely, creating uncertainty and potential financial strain for families seeking to adopt.

A lack of transparency in adoption-related expenses has also raised concerns among prospective adoptive parents and policymakers. Without clear, publicly available cost breakdowns, families may struggle to plan effectively for adoption expenses or compare agencies based on financial factors. Greater transparency in adoption costs would not only promote informed decision-making but also help ensure that adoption remains an accessible and ethical option for families across Texas.

S.B. 2306 addresses these challenges by requiring licensed child-placing agencies to provide an itemized list of adoption-related costs on their websites. By making this information readily available, the bill aims to enhance transparency, reduce financial uncertainty for adoptive families, and promote fairness within the adoption system.

As proposed, S.B. 2306 amends current law relating to the provision of adoption cost information by a licensed child-placing agency.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter G, Chapter 162, Family Code, by adding Section 162.605, as follows:

Sec. 162.605. INFORMATION REGARDING ADOPTION COSTS. Requires a licensed child-placing agency to post on its Internet website information regarding adoption costs. Requires that the information include an itemized list of each cost associated with an adoption.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2025.