MO HB252

Creates new sections 193.132, 453.510, and 453.515 to allow adopted persons age 18 and older born in Missouri to obtain original birth certificates, with birth parents able to object to disclosure or consent to release prior to adoption decree.

Establishes medical history forms and contact preference forms that birth parents may complete and file with the state registrar, allowing them to indicate preferences for contact (direct contact, intermediary contact, or no contact) with adopted persons.

Permits prospective adoptive parents and birth parents to enter into written post-adoption contract agreements allowing contact between birth parents, siblings, or relatives and the adoptee after finalization, enforceable by courts unless contrary to the adoptee's best interests.

Modifies adoption jurisdiction rules to allow petitions based on child's 90-day residence prior to filing (rather than location at time of filing) and clarifies that courts must hear adoption petitions timely without denying placement based on petitioner's residence.

Requires Missouri Supreme Court to develop a standardized adoption checklist form by July 1, 2014, to verify all required documents and procedures are completed before entry of final adoption decree.