AK HB157

Preserves legal sibling relationships after adoption or termination of parental rights, preventing adopted children from becoming legal strangers to their biological siblings

Requires courts to determine whether post-adoption visitation with siblings is in the best interests of minors adopted from Department of Family and Community Services custody, with findings documented in the final adoption decree

Defines "sibling" broadly to include those related by blood, adoption, or marriage, as well as individuals raised together in the same household in a sibling-like manner

Encourages courts to include provisions for ongoing post-adoption sibling contact and directs the Office of Children's Services to focus on sibling interests during permanency planning

Takes effect immediately upon passage