HB241 streamlines adoption process for close relatives

RICHMOND

Delegate Emily M. Brewer’s (R-Suffolk) first bill was passed unanimously with bi-partisan support by the House of Delegates on Wednesday, 98 yeas – 0 nays.

“During the 2017 campaign, I promised that adoption reform would be my first priority, said Del. Brewer, “I am thankful to my colleagues in the House of Delegates for standing with me on such an important issue.”

House Bill 241 lowers from three to two years the amount of time a child must have continuously resided with or been under the physical custody of the prospective close relative adoptive parent for the adoption proceeding to commence in circuit court and be exempt from the parental placement provisions.

“I was adopted as a newborn, and I’m thankful that I found a loving family. My goal with this legislation and going forward is to make the adoption system easier to navigate, so that others can have the same opportunities that I did.”

The legislation will now move to the Senate for further consideration.

Elected to the House of Delegates in November 2017, Del. Brewer represents the 64th District, which includes portions of Isle of Wight, Surry, Sussex, Suffolk City, Franklin City, Southampton, and Prince George.