HF 2414 (LSB 5550HV (2) 89)

HOUSE FILE 2414

BY  COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

(SUCCESSOR TO HF 2074)

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to waiver of the placement investigations and reports related to the adoption of a minor by a minor’s legal guardian.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 600.8, Code 2022, is amended by adding the following new subsection:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  7A.  The juvenile court or court may waive any investigation or report required under this section when all of the following criteria are met:
   a.  The person to be adopted is a minor.
   b.  The adoption petitioner was appointed guardian of the minor pursuant to chapter 232D at least three years prior to the filing of the adoption petition.
   c.  The adoption petitioner has undergone the background checks required pursuant to section 232D.307.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill provides that preplacement and postplacement investigations and reports generally required as part of the adoption process may be waived by the juvenile court or court when the person to be adopted is a minor, the adoption petitioner was appointed guardian of the minor at least three years prior to the filing of the adoption petition, and the adoption petitioner has undergone criminal record checks and checks of the child abuse, dependent adult abuse, and sex offender registries in the state as required for all minor guardianships.