MO HB1772

Creates a new 5-year pilot program beginning January 1, 2027, providing grants to cover legal expenses for adoptive parents upon successful completion of adoption proceedings

Caps grants at $2,500 for uncontested adoptions and $4,000 for contested adoptions, with legal services billed at $175 per hour

Provides a separate grant of up to $500 for guardian ad litem fees, also billed at $175 per hour

Covered expenses include attorney's fees, filing fees, publication fees, and fees for amending the child's birth records

Grants must be specified in a written agreement between the children's division and prospective adoptive parents