Pennsylvania HB2123: An Act amending Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in jurisdiction and parties, further providing for representation; in proceedings prior to petition to adopt, further providing for home study and preplacement report; providing for adoption intermediary services and advertising; imposing duties on the Office of Attorney General; and imposing penalties.

What the bill says

Amending Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in jurisdiction and parties, further providing for representation; in proceedings prior to petition to adopt, further providing for home study and preplacement report; providing for adoption intermediary services and advertising; establishing the Adoption Intermediary Services Fund; and imposing penalties.

From the introduced text, January 9, 2026:

Amending Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in jurisdiction and parties, further providing for representation; in proceedings prior to petition to adopt, further providing for home study and preplacement report; providing for adoption intermediary services and advertising; establishing the Adoption Intermediary Services Fund; and imposing penalties. The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows: Section 1. Sections 2313 and 2530 of Title 23 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes are amended by adding subsections to read: § 2313. Representation. * * * (a.2) Separate legal representation required.-- (1) In a proceeding under this part regarding the voluntary relinquishment of a child: (i) Except as provided in subparagraph (ii), a placing parent of the child shall be represented by an attorney licensed to practice law in this Commonwealth. (ii) A placing parent may waive the right described under subparagraph (i) after being fully informed of the right. The following apply to a waiver: (A) The waiver must be in writing. (B) A person may not require, request or otherwise compel a placing parent to waive the right to representation as a condition of proceeding with an adoption. (iii) An attorney representing a placing parent of the child may not represent any of the following and may not be affiliated, as an associate, partner, shareholder or …

Read the full official text