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HR 6170119th CongressIn Committee
To amend title 18, United States Code, to criminalize unlawful adoption practices.
Introduced: Nov 20, 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4] (R-Alabama)
Standard Summary
Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs
The ADOPT Act amends title 18 USC to criminalize unlawful adoption practices by prohibiting unlicensed adoption intermediary services, adoption advertising, and unauthorized payments exceeding $2,500 to placing parents in interstate adoptions, with penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment and fines.
Key Points
- 1Criminalizes unlicensed adoption intermediary services
- 2Prohibits adoption advertising by unlicensed entities
- 3Limits payments to placing parents to $2,500 before consultation
- 4Applies to interstate and foreign commerce activities
- 5Exempts licensed agencies, attorneys, and accredited providers
- 6Provides penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment and $50,000 fines
Impact Areas
Adoption regulationChild welfareInterstate adoptionsUnlicensed adoption servicesAdoption advertisingBirth parent protections
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