HB 1854 Summary

• Adds new definition of "out-of-state agency" and requires out-of-state agencies to contract with the Department of Human Services or a child-placing agency to place minors for adoption in Oklahoma.

• Restricts use of terms "adoption counseling services" and "adoption counseling" to only licensed child-placing agencies in advertisements and solicitations.

• Requires adoption counseling expenses and birth mother living expenses to be paid through a child-placing agency rather than directly to third parties.

• Updates statutory citations in adoption expense provisions from Sections 865-869 to Sections 865-870 of Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes.

• Effective date: November 1, 2015.