Signed by Governor Rick Scott

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends child adoption laws, effective July 1, 2015.

Highlights:

• Repeals existing law that prohibits adoption of a child by a homosexual individual (Sec. 2).

• Authorizes a “qualifying adoptive employee” who adopts a child from within the child welfare system, beginning July 1, 2015, to be eligible to receive monetary benefits in the following one-time amounts (Sec. 6):
• $10,000 per child if the child is classified as having special needs; and
• $5,000 per child if the child is classified as not having special needs.

• Defines “qualifying adoptive employee” as a full-time or part-time employee of a state agency who is paid from regular salary appropriations (Sec. 6).

• Requires a caregiver to allow a child to remain in the school or educational setting that he or she attended before being adopted, unless it is not in the best interest of the child (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends child adoption laws, effective July 1, 2015.

Highlights:

• Repeals existing law that prohibits adoption of a child by a homosexual individual (Sec. 2).

• Authorizes a “qualifying adoptive employee” who adopts a child from within the child welfare system, beginning July 1, 2015, to be eligible to receive monetary benefits in the following one-time amounts (Sec. 6):
• $10,000 per child if the child is classified as having special needs; and
• $5,000 per child if the child is classified as not having special needs.

• Defines “qualifying adoptive employee” as a full-time or part-time employee of a state agency who is paid from regular salary appropriations (Sec. 6).

• Requires a caregiver to allow a child to remain in the school or educational setting that he or she attended before being adopted, unless it is not in the best interest of the child (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text