Gov. Kay Ivey signed HB101 into law Wednesday, implementing the state’s new streamlined adoption process.
Bettering the state’s adoption procedure was part of Ivey’s State of the State address in March.
“In a post-Roe world, I am proud Alabama has one of the strongest pro-life laws in America to protect our unborn babies,” Ivey said. “However, our work is not done. We must also support parents, whether they are looking to adopt or need childcare so they can put in a hard day’s work to provide for themselves and their children.”
The Alabama Law Institute crafted the bill with input from a wide variety of experts in Alabama adoption, according to House sponsor Ginny Shaver, R-Leesburg.
“This bill has been thoroughly vetted,” Shaver said on the House floor. “I’ve never heard of any bill that has been thoroughly combed like this one has.”
The bill will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.
“Alabama has consistently set state records for adoptions and placed thousands of children in loving, forever homes,” Ivey said. “Currently, we have more than 5,000 children in the foster care system, and with this modernized and streamlined process now in place, we have positioned Alabama on even firmer footing and will be able to provide more of our children with the life they deserve. This bill has been over four years in the making, and I commend Rep. Ginny Shaver and her colleagues in the Alabama Legislature, as well as the Alabama Law Institute, for making this a top priority and fighting for our state’s children.”
