HB 1946 -- ADOPTION SUBSIDIES

SPONSOR:  Franz

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Special
Committee on Family Services by a vote of 10 to 0.

This bill changes the requirements regarding adoption subsidies
that are granted to adoptive parents.  Subsidies to cover any
physical and/or mental conditions of the adopted child will no
longer be subject to income restrictions on household incomes
that are higher than 200% of the federal poverty level.  The
one-year restriction on the granting of a subsidy is also
repealed.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2009, FY 2010, and
FY 2011.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that Missouri's laws are not
compliant with federal regulations, and the bill will correct
this by restoring the language that was repealed in Senate Bill
539 in 2005.  If it is not corrected, Missouri will lose much
needed federal funding to support the adoption program operated
through the Children's Division within the Department of Social
Services.  The families who adopt through the division receive a
subsidy each month.  The average subsidy for a family ranges
between $250 and $350 per month in addition to any MO HealthNet
Program benefits.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Franz; and Children's
Division, Department of Social Services.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated October 15, 2008 at 3:11 pm