Oklahoma
State Senate
Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
For Immediate Release: March 12, 2009
Sen. Kenneth Corn
Senate Approves Bill to Exempt Grandparents from Adoption Costs
The state Senate on Thursday unanimously approved
legislation that would exempt an adoptive grandparent from any
court costs associated with adoption.
Sen. Kenneth
Corn, author of Senate Bill 254, said the measure would help
provide healthy environments for children by removing another
impediment for grandparents seeking to care for their grandchildren.
“With divorce rates being as high as they
are, it’s now more important than ever that our children
have good homes,” said Corn, D-Poteau. “Grandparents
seeking to provide love and guidance to their grandchildren should
be able to do so without excessive costs. This measure would ensure
that grandparents are not deterred by punitive fees.”
SB 254 would also waive pre-placement home study
requirements in certain adoptive cases if the petitioning grandparent
has no record of felony convictions, domestic violence or protective
orders.
“The family is the foundation of our society,
and it’s important that the Legislature do everything in
its power to guarantee that children grow up in loving homes,”
Corn said. “I’m pleased the Senate was able to come
together on this issue and unanimously pass the bill.”
For more information contact:
Sen. Corn's Office: 405-521-5576