Senate approves bill to increase amount that can be paid to birth mothers during adoptions

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 187 Tuesday. The bill, authored by Sen. George Burns, R-Pollard, increases the amount birth mothers can receive for living and transportation expenses through the adoption process.

“This is a pro-family measure as it supports birth mothers who wish to place their child in a safe and loving home through adoption,” Burns said. “We continue to see costs for basic necessities rise, and this bill will help these mothers pay for utilities, food, travel and other allowable childcare costs.”

The limit is currently $1,000, but SB 187 would raise it to $3,500.

“This increase doesn’t cost the state any money as costs are paid for by the adoptive parents, their attorney, or a child-placing agency assisting the birth mother with these expenses,” Burns said.

SB 187 can be considered next by the House of Representatives. Rep. Denise Crosswhite Hader is the principal House author.

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For more information, contact: Sen. George Burns at 405-521-5614 or email George.Burns@oksenate.gov