HB297 Alabama 2011 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Jack Williams
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2011
Title: Children, subsidized adoption, subsidy payments provided for, termination of payments, annual reporting and hearing procedures, definitions, Secs. 26-10-22, 26-10-24, 26-10-25, 26-10-26, 26-10-29 am'd.
Summary: HB297 updates Alabama's adoption subsidy program with new definitions, payment rules, and annual reporting and hearing procedures.
What This Bill Does
It defines key terms used in the subsidy program, such as adoption subsidy, child, and special needs. It sets up how the Department of Human Resources approves subsidy plans, negotiates with adoptive families, and administers payments. Subsidies can cover money payments, services, or both, and may be for a limited or long term; payments can continue after age 18 in certain education, training, or disability situations. It requires annual certification of ongoing need and gives options to modify, terminate, or appeal subsidies if circumstances change.

Who It Affects
Children in Alabama who qualify as having special needs or circumstances for adoption subsidies (per definitions and eligibility rules).
Adoptive parents or guardians who receive or seek subsidies (agreement terms, payments, and eligibility rules apply).
Voluntary licensed child-placing agencies that work with adoptive families (supervisory roles and evidence submission duties).
The Alabama Department of Human Resources, which administers and oversees the subsidy program (certification, negotiation, payment administration, and potential modifications).
Non-citizen or non-permanent residents may have restricted subsidy payments, with possible exceptions for certain foreign adoption cases.

Key Provisions
Definitions for terms used in the subsidy program, including ADOPTION SUBSIDY, CHILD, AGENCY, and various conditions like DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY and EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCE.
Process for eligibility and certification of a child for subsidy by the Department of Human Resources, with involvement from the placing agency as needed.
Formation of a subsidy agreement between the department and adoptive parents, and the department's role as administrator of the subsidy.
Payment terms and duration, including options for money payments, services, or both, and the possibility of multi-year subsidies with annual certification.
Rules for continuing or terminating subsidies, including events that end the subsidy (age 18, emancipation, adoption termination, death, etc.) and mechanisms to modify the subsidy if conditions change.
Provisions for continued payments after age 18 up to age 21 under certain educational, training, employment, or disability-related circumstances.
Annual reporting requirement by adoptive parents to verify ongoing need and program integrity, with potential for department verification and modification based on new information.
Right to appeal and obtain a hearing if an application is denied or a subsidy is reduced or terminated.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Children