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Adoption Protection Act: Criminalizing Unlicensed Brokers and Limiting Early Payments.

This law establishes federal criminal penalties for unlawful adoption practices, specifically targeting unlicensed intermediaries in private domestic interstate adoptions. The goal is to protect families and birth parents from exploitation and ensure that adoption processes are handled by licensed professionals. Citizens involved in adoption gain increased security and transparency in the process.
Key points
It is now a federal crime to provide adoption intermediary services for compensation without being a licensed agency or attorney.
Payments to a placing parent (e.g., for living expenses) are capped at $2,500 before they consult with a licensed agency or attorney, preventing early financial coercion.
Violations, including illegal adoption advertising, carry severe penalties, including fines up to $50,000 and up to 5 years in prison per violation for individuals.
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Introduced
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_6170
Sponsor: Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4]
Process start date: 2025-11-20
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

ADOPT Act of 2025

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 119_HR_6170.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2025-11-20.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • It is now a federal crime to provide adoption intermediary services for compensation without being a licensed agency or attorney.
  • Payments to a placing parent (e.g., for living expenses) are capped at $2,500 before they consult with a licensed agency or attorney, preventing early financial coercion.
  • Violations, including illegal adoption advertising, carry severe penalties, including fines up to $50,000 and up to 5 years in prison per violation for individuals.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Introduced.

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-23.

CATEGORIES

Family Courts and Law