AR HB1379

Requires parents consenting to adoption to have limited, independent legal representation to execute consent and withdraw it if desired, with exceptions for stepparent adoptions, relatives within second degree, and pro bono cases.

Mandates attorney certification that the parent understood the consent's effects and consented voluntarily, unless parent signs sworn affidavit declining representation.

Requires qualified court interpreters for non-English-speaking parents to interpret adoption consent and relinquishment documents in their native language, paid by the petitioner, unless parent opts out via sworn affidavit.

Requires full accounting reports from petitioners detailing amounts paid, itemized expenses per Arkansas Code § 9-9-206(c), and reimbursement time periods.

Requires parents receiving reimbursement for prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care expenses to file full accounting reports and affidavits verifying all value received from the petitioner or third parties acting on petitioner's behalf.