AB 227 — Revises provisions governing adoption. (BDR 11-928)

Services of the Department of Health and Human Services.amily Sec.

17.

“Division” means the Division of Child and Family Services of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Sec.

None of the prospective adoptive parents isare related within the third degree of consanguinity to the child to be adopted;

“Marital partner” means two persons, regardless of gender, who are at least 18 years of age, not nearer of kin than second cousins or cousins of the half blood, and not having a spousespoSec. living, who are joined in marriage.

Sec.

- *AB227_R1* – 5 – Sec.

26.

“Recommend the placement of a child” means to suggest to a child-placing agency that a prospective adoptive parent be allowed to adopt a specific child, whether born or in utero.

26.

(Deleted by amendment.) Sec.

“Spouse” means a marital partner, domestic partner, civil partner, registered partner, reciprocal beneficiary or other partner who has the same rights, protections and benefits, and is subject to the same responsibilities, obligations and duties under law, whether derived from statute, regulation, court rule, - 83rd Session (2025) – 5 – administrative policy, common law or any other provision or source of authority, as are granted to and imposed upon marital partners.

“Third degree of consanguinity” means the familial relationship between two persons who share a common ancestor within three generations, including, without limitation, a parent, stepparent, sibling, grandparent, great-grandparent, aunt or uncle.

The requirements prescribed by sections 3132 to 46, inclusive, of this act are applicable to:

An(Deleted adoptiveby placementamendment.) occursSec. when:

1.

A parent executes a specific consent for adoption or relinquishment;

or 2.

A child-placing agency grants physical custody of a child in its custody to a prospective adoptive parent or parents for adoption.

Sec.

The Division shall maintain the State Register for Adoptions, which is hereby established, in its central office to provide information to identify adults who were adopted and personsper2.nsThe relatedState toRegister themfor withinAdoptions theconsists thirdof:onsanguinity. degree of consanguinity.

2.(a) Names and other information, which the Administrator of the Division deems to be necessary for the operation of the Register, relating to persons who have relinquished a child for adoption or have consented to the adoption of a child, or whose parental rights have been terminated by a court of competent jurisdiction, and who have submitted the information voluntarily to the Division;

The State Register for Adoptions consists of:

- *AB227_R1* – 6 – (a) Names and other information, which the Administrator of the Division deems to be necessary for the operation of the Register, relating to persons who have relinquished a child for adoption or have consented to the adoption of a child, or whose parental rights have been terminated by a court of competent jurisdiction, and who have submitted the information voluntarily to the Division;

- 83rd Session (2025) – 6 –  Any person whose name appears in the Register may withdraw it by requesting in writing that it be withdrawn.

The Division shall immediately withdraw a name upon receiving a request to do so, and may not thereafter release any information to identify that person,the includingRegister.ding the information that such a name was ever in the3. Register.

3.

All petitions, reports and orders in adoption proceedings shall be entitled only in the names of the adopting parties.parSec.

Sec.

Except as otherwise provided in NRS 239.0115, all hearings held in proceedings under this chapter, chapter 127 of NRS, the chapter consisting of sections 48 to 105, inclusive, of this - *AB227_R1* – 7 – act, the chapter consisting of sections 107 to 114, inclusive, of this act and the chapter consisting of sections 116 to 153, inclusive, of this act are confidential and must be held in closed court, without admittance of any person other than the petitioners, their witnesses, the director of an agency which provides child welfare services or a child-placing agency, or their authorized representatives, attorneys and persons entitled to notice by this chapter, chapter 127 of NRS, the chapter consisting of sections 48 to 105, inclusive, of this act, the chapter consisting of sections 107 to 114, inclusive, of this act and the chapter consisting of sections 116 to 153, inclusive, of this act, except by order of the court.

- 83rd Session (2025) – 7 – 2.

(b) If a parent and the child are eligible to receive information from the State Register for Adoptions pursuant to section 33 ofofation this act;

6.available for inspection by an adoptive parent, parent or sibling pursuant to subsection 3, 4 or 5 must not include any confidential information, including, without limitation, any information that identifies or would lead to the identification of a parent if the identity of the parent is not included in the agreement for postadoptive contact or order for visitation, as applicable.

TheSec. portions of the files and records which are made available for inspection by an adoptive parent, parent or sibling pursuant to subsection 3, 4 or 5 must not include any confidential information, including, without limitation, any information that identifies or would lead to the identification of a parent if the identity of the parent is not included in the agreement for postadoptive contact or order for visitation, as applicable.

- *AB227_R1* – 8 – Sec.

1.

By2. virtue of such adoption the child shall inherit from the adoptive parents or their relatives the same as though the child were the child of such parents and, in case of the death of the child intestate, the adoptive parents and their relatives shall inherit the child’s estate as if they had been the child’s parents and relatives in fact.

AfterBy anvirtue order of adoptionan isadoption, entered,the anychild parentshall whoinherit hasfrom signedthe aadoptive relinquishmentparents or giventheir specificrelatives consentthe tosame terminateas parentalthough rightsthe ischild relievedwere the biological child of allsuch parentalparents responsibilitiesand, forin case of the adopteddeath of the child intestate, the adoptive parents and their relatives shall not- exercise83rd orSession have(2025) any– rights8 over– inherit the adoptedchild’s childestate oras theif propertythey ofhad been the adoptedchild’s child.biological parents and relatives.

The3. child does not owe a parent whose parental rights have been terminated any legal duty and may not inherit from a parent whose parental rights have been terminated or the kindred of that parent.

After a parent has executed a specific consent to adoption or relinquishment or the parental rights of the parent have been ter(a) The parent is relieved of all parental responsibilities for the adopted child and shall not exercise or have any rights over the adopted child or the property of the adopted child;

and (b) The child does not owe the parent any legal duty and may not inherit from that parent or a relative of that parent.

4.

Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person or entity may not place, arrange the placement of, or assist in placing or in arranging the placement of, any child for adoption without securing and having in full force a license to operate aaion child-placing agency issued by the Division.

This subsection applies to agents, servants, physicians and attorneys of parents or guardians, as well as to other persons.persons and entities.

This section does not prohibit an agency which provides child welfare services from placing, arranging the placement of, - *AB227_R1* – 9 – or assisting in placing or in arranging the placement of, any child for adoption.

This section does not prohibit a person,person or entity, including a person acting in the professional capacity of the person, from - 83rd Session (2025) – 9 – sharing information regarding an adoption if money or other valuable consideration is not paid:

or (b) For any other service related to the adoption that is performedperSec. after sharing the information.

Sec.

1.1.r shaThe application for a license to operate a child- placing agency must be in a form prescribed by the Division.

The application for a license to operate a child- placing agency must be in a form prescribed by the Division.

2.mailed to the last known address of the applicant or licensee at least 15 days before the date fixed for the hearing.

A notice of the time and place of the hearing must be mailed to the last known address of the applicant or licensee at least 15 days before the date fixed for the hearing.

A child-placing agency shall report any violation of subsection 1 to the State Bar of Nevada, if the alleged violator is - *AB227_R1* – 10 – licensed to practice in this State, or to the bar association of the state in which the alleged violator is licensed to practice.

- 83rd Session (2025) – 10 – 3.

Except as otherwise provided in sectionsections 43 and of this act, a person or entity who does not have in full force a license to operate a child-placing agency may not request or accept, directly or indirectly, any compensation or thing of value for placing, arranging the placement of, or assisting in placing or arranging the placement of, any child for adoption.

Except as otherwise provided in NRS 200.463 to 200.465, inclusive, and sections 43 and 99 of this act, a person or entity who, without holding a valid license to operate a child-placingchild- placing agency issued by the Division, requests or receives, directly or indirectly, any compensation or thing of value for placing, arranging the placement of, or assisting in placing or arranging the placement of, any child for adoption is guilty of a category D felony and shall be punished as provided in NRS 193.130.

Except as otherwise provided in this section and sections 40 and 43 of this act, it is unlawful for any person or organizationentity other than an agency which provides child welfare services to,or without holding a validchild-placing unrevokedagency license to place children for adoption issued by the Division, place, arrange the placement of, or assist in placing or in arranging the placement of, any child for adoption.

2.for any person or entity to place an advertisement or offer to theul public, by any medium, that a child is available for adoption or that a child is sought for adoption.

Except as otherwise provided in this section, it is unlawful for any person or organization to place an advertisement or offer to the public, by any medium, that a child is available for adoption or that a child is sought for adoption.

and - *AB227_R1*83rd –Session 11(2025) – (c)11 Indicates– that only child-placing agencies licensed in this State may legally provide adoption services under the laws of this State.

It is unlawful for any person or entity who purchases advertising space or purchases broadcast time for the purpose of advertising adoption services to fail to include in any publication or fail to include in the broadcast for such advertisement the license number in this State of the child-placing agency or agency which provides child welfare services placing the advertisement.

A person or entity who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a category E felony and shall be punished pursuantas topro8. NRS 193.130.

8.

(a) “Advertise” or “advertisement” means a communication that originates within this State by any public medium, including, without limitation, a newspaper, periodical, article, notice, magazine, telephone book listing, outdoor advertising, billboard, sign, radio, television or computerized communication system, including, without limitation, electronic mail, an Internet website or an Internet account, or any similar media.

(b) “Internet account” means an account created within a bounded system established by an Internet-based service that requires a user to input or store information in an electronic device in order to view, create, use or edit the account information, profile, display, communications or stored data of the user.user.ormation, Sec.

Sec.

- 83rd Session (2025) – 12 – Sec.

- *AB227_R1* – 12 – Sec.

50.

“Home study” means the investigation of a prospective adoptive parent or parents to determine the suitability of the prospective adoptive home pursuant to section 100 of this act.

50.

“Home study” means the investigation of a prospective adoptive parent or parents to determine the suitability act.he prospective adoptive home pursuant to section 100 of this Sec.

Who is a putative parent or proven parent of a child;

“Placing(Deleted parent”by meansamendment.) aSec. parent who executed a specific consent to adoption or relinquishment pursuant to this chapter.

Sec.

NamesPlaces the child with an agency which provides child welfare services.services for adoption.

“Specific consent to adoption” means a document executed pursuant to this chapter by a parent whose rights have not been relinquished or terminated, which authorizes the child to be adopted by a specifically named person or persons, and provides for the retention of the parental rights until the final adoption.

The Register must include descriptive information on every child with special needs for whom a prospective adoptive parent is not identified within 3 months after the child becomes available for adoption, but must not include any personal information which reveals the identity of the child or the - 83rd Session (2025) – 13 – child’s parents.

- *AB227_R1* – 13 – Sec.

The Division shall prepare a booklet on adoptionado(a) inThe thislegal Statebasis whichof includesadoption;es the following information:

(a) The legal basis of adoption;

and (i) Any subsidies, assistance and other services that may be available to adoptive parents and prospective adoptive parents, including, without limitation, services for children with special needs.nee2..

2.

Except as otherwise provided in chapter 125E of NRS and sections 64, 74, 80 and 86 to 95,90, inclusive, of this act, a child of whom this State:

or - 83rd Session (2025) – 14 – (b) Was the home state within 6 months before the commencement of the proceeding,  may not be adopted except upon an order of a district court in this State.

2.(a) The state in which a child lived for at least 6 consecutive months, including any temporary absence from the state, such as a placement outside of the state through the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children pursuant to NRS 127.320 to 127.350, inclusive, immediately before the commencement of a proceeding;

As used in this section, “home state” means:

- *AB227_R1* – 14 – (a) The state in which a child lived for at least 6 consecutive months, including any temporary absence from the state, such as a placement outside of the state through the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children pursuant to NRS 127.320 to 127.350, inclusive, immediately before the commencement of a proceeding;

(a) The prospective adoptive parent is related to the child withinwit(b) The court is satisfied that it is in the thirdbest degreeinterest of consanguinity;the child.

and (b) The court is satisfied that it is in the best interest of the child.

Compliance with the requirements of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children pursuant to NRS 127.320 to 127.350, inclusive, may be performed by an agency which provides child welfare services,services a child-placing agency or an attorney licensed to practice law in this State.

If a spouse agrees to an adoption as described in subsection 2, such agreement does not establish any parental - 83rd Session (2025) – 15 – rights or responsibilities on the part of the spouse unless the spouse:

and (2)(b) EstablishingIs parentalnamed rightsas andan responsibilities;adoptive parent in the order of adoption.d 4.

and (b) Is named as an adoptive parent in the order of adoption.

- *AB227_R1* – 15 – 4.

and (b) The home of the spouse is suitable for the child as determined by a post-placement investigation pursuant to section 75 of this act and a home study investigation pursuant to section 100 of this act.

1.rights have not been terminated or relinquished;

Eachandose parent of the child who is alive and whose parental rights2. have not been terminated or relinquished;

and 2.

An Indian child’s parent may consent to the adoption of the Indian child at any time not less than 10 days following the date of the Indian child’s birth by executing the consent in person or by remote appearance before the court on the record.

- 83rd Session (2025) – 16 – (a) The right to legal counsel;

and (c) That at any time before the entry of the order of adoption, the parent may withdraw consent for any reason and petition the courtcou4. to have the child returned.

4.toAfter the execution of a parent’s consent under subsection 2, the court shall certify that the court made the explanation under subsection 3 and that the parent fully understood the explanation.

After5. the execution of a parent’s consent under subsection 2, the court shall certify that the court made the explanation under subsection 3 and that the parent fully understood the explanation.

- *AB227_R1* – 16 – 5.

Each agency which provides child welfare services that, pursuant to section 65 of this act, accepts a relinquishment shall make all necessary inquiries to determine whether the child is an Indian child.

(a)- Identifies83rd Session (2025) – 17 – date of birth;ies the child to be adopted by name, if any, sex and date(b) ofIs birth;in writing;

(b) Is in writing;

or - *AB227_R1* – 17 – (2) For a relinquishment, the name of the agency which provides child welfare services.

(e) Indicates whether the person giving the consent has reason to know that the child is an Indian child and, if the person does not have reason to know that the child is an Indian child, includes a statement that the person will inform the court immediately if, before the entry of the order of adoption pursuant to section 79 of thisknow act,that the personchild receivesis informationan Indian child.on that provides reason to know(f) thatExcept theas childotherwise provided in subsection 2, is anattested Indianby child.at least two competent, disinterested witnesses who subscribe their names to the specific consent to adoption or relinquishment in the presence of or by remote appearance with the signing parent.

(f) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, is attested by at least two competent, disinterested witnesses who subscribe their names to the specific consent to adoption or relinquishment in the presence of or by remote appearance with the signing parent.

Sec.relinquishment may make and sign an affidavit before any person authorized to administer oaths in this State, stating such facts as they would be required to testify to in court to prove the due execution of the relinquishment.

69.

1.

Any or all of the attesting witnesses to any relinquishment may make and sign an affidavit before any person authorized to administer oaths in this State, stating such facts as they would be required to testify to in court to prove the due execution of the relinquishment.

- 83rd Session (2025) – 18 – 2.

State of Nevada } }ss.County of...........................

County of...........................

- *AB227_R1* – 18 – Then and there personally appeared the within-named ................

(name of person or persons relinquishing) that at the time of the execution of the consentrelinquishment to adoption ................

(name of person or persons relinquishing) acknowledged to them that they were, and they appeared to them to be, in full possession of their faculties and not under the influence of any drug or sedative that could impact their reasoning or judgment or subject to any duress, fear, menace, compulsion or undue influence whatever;

Any or all of the attesting witnesses to any specific consent to adoption may make and sign an affidavit before any person authorized to administer oaths in this State, stating such facts as they would be required to testify to in court to prove the- due83rd executionSession of(2025) – 19 – must be written on the specific consent to adoption.adoption or, if that isit impracticable, on some paper attached thereto.

The affidavit must be written on the specific consent to adoption or, if that is impracticable, on some paper attached thereto.

- *AB227_R1* – 19 – State of Nevada } }ss.

} 5 (Date).................................

7 Then and there personally appeared the within-named ................and say:

andThat ................,they who,witnessed beingthe dulyexecution sworn,of the withinworn, depose andspecific say:consent to adoption by ................

That they witnessed the execution of the within specific consent to adoption by ................

(name of person or persons giving consent) acknowledged to them that they were, and they appeared to them to be, in full possession of their faculties and not under the influence of any drug or sedative thatthatlties could impact their reasoning or judgment or subject to any duress, fear, menace, compulsion or undue influence whatever;

- 83rd Session (2025) – 20 – Subscribed and sworn to before me this ......

Notary Public Sec.

ANotA minor parent may execute a specific consent to adoption or relinquishment withwithout a requirement for notification to or consent by the parent or parents of the minor.

A specific consent to adoption or relinquishment cannot be revoked or nullified by the executing parent unless the specific - *AB227_R1* – 20 – consent to adoption or relinquishment was obtained under fraud, duress or undue influence and the action to void the specific consent to adoption or relinquishment is brought within 30 days of execution.

The execution of a specific consent to adoption or relinquishment by a parent shall not be necessary:

A petition for adoption of a child may be filed at any time after a child is legally free for adoption and upon the agreementagr2.menThe ofpetition thefor agencyadoption whichmust providesstate, childin welfaresubstance, services.the following:

2.

The petition for adoption must state, in substance, the following:

- 83rd Session (2025) – 21 – (g) That there has been a full compliance with the law in regard to termination of parental rights, specific consent to adoption or relinquishment as to all parents.

(h) That there has been a full compliance with sections 97 to 105,105(i) inclusive,Whether ofthe thispetitioners act.have reason to know that the child is an Indian child.

(i) Whether the petitioners have reason to know that the child is an Indian child.

- *AB227_R1* – 21 – Sec.

In addition to the requirements set forth in NRSsection 127A.110,73 of this act, a petition for adoption of a child must contain:

and (c) If the petitioner has reason to know that the child is an Indian child:

petitioner has reason to know that the child is an (1) A declaration under penalty of perjury and documentation, as described by the regulations adopted by the Division pursuant to section 89 of this act, showing that the proposed adoptive placement complies with the requirements under NRS 127E.350;

- 83rd Session (2025) – 22 – (a) A finding that the petitioner complied with the inquiry requirements under subsection 1 of NRS 125E.210;

and (c)(c)(1) IfThe thedeterminations courtrequired findsunder thatNRS the125E.250ild: child is an Indian child:

(1) The determinations required under NRS 125E.250 regarding the Indian child’s residence, domicile and wardship status;

- *AB227_R1* – 22 – (a) Serve copies of the petition by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, together with the notice of proceeding in the form required under subsection 3 of NRS 125E.220, to:

and (3) The appropriate agency which provides child welfare services.

The appropriate agency which provides child welfare (b) File a declaration of compliance with the court, including a copy of each notice sent, together with any return receipts or other proof of service.

TheExcept as otherwise provided in this section, an agency which provides child welfare services shall, not less than 147 days before the date of the hearing for adoption finalization, submit to the court a written report regarding the results of the condition of the child and suitability of the home of the prospective adoptive parent or parents, which must contain, without limitation, a specific- recommendation83rd forSession or(2025) against– approval23 of– the petition and a statement of whether the child is a known Indian child, and shall furnish to the court any other information regarding the child or proposed home which is required by the court.

welfare services must not be made a matter of public record, but must be given in writing and in confidence to the district judge before whom the matter is pending.

If the recommendation of the agency which provides child welfare services is adverse, the district judge, before denying the petition, shall give the petitioner an opportunity to rebut the findings and recommendation of the report of the agency which provides child welfare services.

77.

The report of the agency which provides child welfare services must not be made a matter of public record, but must be given in writing and in confidence to the district judge before whom the matter is pending.

If the recommendation of the - *AB227_R1* – 23 – agency which provides child welfare services is adverse, the district judge, before denying the petition, shall give the petitioner an opportunity to rebut the findings and recommendation of the report of the agency which provides child welfare services.

Sec.

Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, the prospective adoptive parent or parents, child to be adopted, representative of the agency which provides child welfare services and counsel for the parties may attend by telephone or videoremote appearance, in lieu of attending in person, any hearings held by the court concerning a petition for adoption.

Sec.child warrants the granting of the petition, an order of adoption must be made and filed, ordering that henceforth the child is the child of the petitioners.

79.

1.

If the court finds that the best interest of the child warrants the granting of the petition, an order of adoption must be made and filed, ordering that henceforth the child is the child of the petitioners.

- 83rd Session (2025) – 24 – 2.

If the court is not satisfied that the proposed adoption is in the best interest of the child, the court shall deny the petition and custody of the child shall remain with the agency which providesprovidesn and child welfare services.

- *AB227_R1* – 24 – (a) The birth name and date of birth of the Indian child, the Indian child’s tribal affiliation and the name of the Indian child after adoption;

(d) The name and contact information for any agency having filesfil(e) orAny information relating to tribal membership or eligibility for tribal membership of the adoption;Indian child;

(e) Any information relating to tribal membership or eligibility for tribal membership of the Indian child;

and (i) A finding that the adoptive placement complies with the placement preferences under NRS 125E.350 or, if the placement does not comply with the placement preferences under - 83rd Session (2025) – 25 – NRS 125E.350, a finding upon the petitioner’s motion under subsection 3 of NRS 125E.350 that good cause exists for placement contrary to the placement preferences.

For each finding or determination made under this section,which the courtfinding mustor providedetermination ais descriptionbased.n of the facts upon which4. the finding or determination is based.

4.

and - *AB227_R1* – 25 – (2) Any behavioral, emotional or psychological problems that the child may have.

Information regarding any behavioral, emotional or psychological problems that the child may have must be discussed in accordance with policies established by an agency which provides child welfare services pursuant to regulations adoptedado(c) byWritten theinformation Divisionregarding forany thesubsidies, disclosureassistance. of such information.

(c) Written information regarding any subsidies, assistance and other services that may be available to the child if it is determined pursuant to section 85 of this act that the child has any special needs.

If a summary is provided pursuant to this - 83rd Session (2025) – 26 – section, the prospective adoptive parents of the child may also obtain the information set forth in subsection 1.

After an order of adoption has been entered, the court shall direct the petitioner or the attorney of the petitioner to prepare a report of adoption on a form prescribed and furnished by the State Registrar of Vital Statistics or the equivalent office in the state that issued the birth certificate.

The agency which provides child welfare services shall provide the petitioner or the attorney of the petitioner with any factual information which will assist in the preparation of the report required in subsection 1.

The petitioner or the attorney of the petitioner shall forward all reports required by the provisions of this section to the - *AB227_R1* – 26 – State Registrar of Vital Statistics or the equivalent office in the state in which the birth certificate was issued not later than the 30 days after the date in which the order was entered, or more frequently if requested by the State Registrar of Vital Statistics, together with any related material the State Registrar of Vital Statistics may require.

- 83rd Session (2025) – 27 – 3.

As used in this section, “placing parent” means a parent who executed a specific consent to adoption or relinquishment pursuant to this chapter.

Except as otherwise provided in sections 91 to 96,the inclusive,court ofmay thisgrant act,a inreasonable aright proceedingto forvisit adoptionto:ption of a child, (a) A sibling of the courtchild mayif grantthe child is in the custody of the agency which provides child welfare services and a reasonablesimilar right has been granted previously pursuant to visitNRS to:432B.580;

(a) A sibling of the child if the child is in the custody of the agency which provides child welfare services and a similar right has been granted previously pursuant to NRS 432B.580;

(a)needs Schedulethe anychild evaluationsmay have.ations necessary to identify any special needs(b) If it determines that the child mayhas have.any special needs:

(b) If it determines that the child has any special needs:

- *AB227_R1* – 27 – (I) That they may be eligible for a grant of financial assistance pursuant to this section;

The agency which provides child welfare services may grant financial assistance for attorney’s fees in the adoption proceeding, for maintenance and for preexisting physical or mental conditions to the adoptive parents of a child with special - 83rd Session (2025) – 28 – needs out of money provided for that purpose if the head of the agency which provides child welfare services or the designee has reviewed and approved in writing the grant of financial assistance.

The grant of financial assistance must be limited, both as to amount and duration, by agreement in writing between the agency which provides child welfare services and the prospective adoptive parents.

Neither a grant of financial assistance pursuant to this section nor any discontinuance of such assistance affects the legal statussta8.s oroA respectivecourt obligationsshall waive all court costs of anythe partyprospective adoptive parents in an adoption proceeding for a child with special needs if the agency which provides child welfare services consents to the adoption.adoption of such a child pursuant to this section.

8.9.

A court shall waive all court costs of the prospective adoptive parents in an adoption proceeding for a child with special needs if the agency which provides child welfare services consents to the adoption of such a child pursuant to this section.

- *AB227_R1* – 28 – 9.

- 83rd Session (2025) – 29 – 3.

and (b) The court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the parent’s consent was obtained through fraud or duress.duress.e that the 4.

4.

and (d)3.) BeBAn sentIndian tochild’s theformer lastparent knownor addressprior Indian custodian may waive notice under this section by executing a waiver of notice in person before the court record.and filing the waiver with the court.

3.

An Indian child’s former parent or prior Indian custodian may waive notice under this section by executing a waiver of notice in person before the court and filing the waiver with the court.

Before the execution of the waiver, the court must explain to the former parent or prior Indian custodian, on the record in - *AB227_R1* – 29 – detail and in the language of the former parent or prior Indian custodian:

- 83rd Session (2025) – 30 – 5.

At any time before the entry of an order of adoption of an Indian child, the former parent or prior Indian custodian may revoke a waiver executed by the former parent or prior Indian custodian pursuant to subsection 3 by filing a written revocation with the court or by making a statement of revocation on the record in a proceeding for the adoption of the Indian child.

 The petitioner shall file a declaration of compliance, including a copy of each notice sent under this subsection, together with any return receipts or other proof of service.

The court shall order the Indian child to be returned to the custody of the former parent or prior Indian custodian or restore the parental rights to the Indian child unless the court finds, by - *AB227_R1* – 30 – clear and convincing evidence, that the return of custody or restoration of parental rights is not in the child’s best interests,interest of the child, as described in NRS 125E.230.

- 83rd Session (2025) – 31 – 9.

(a) “Former parent” means a person who was previously the parent of an Indian child subject to an order of adoption under this chapter and whose parental rights have not been restored underund(b) section“Prior 86Indian custodian” means a person who was previously the custodian of an Indian child subject to an order of adoption of the child under this act.chapter.

(b) “Prior Indian custodian” means a person who was previously the custodian of an Indian child subject to an order of adoption of the child under this chapter.

Nothing in this section requires the agency to make a determination of law regarding the documentation provided by the petitioner.petitioner.n of law 2.

2.Upon receiving an ICWA compliance report, the court shall order the matter to proceed if the court finds that the petitioner satisfied the inquiry requirements under subsection 1 of NRS 125E.210 and, if applicable, the notice requirements under subsection 2 of NRS 125E.220.

Upon receiving an ICWA compliance report, the court shall order the matter to proceed if the court finds that the petitioner satisfied the inquiry requirement under subsection 1 of NRS 125E.210 and, if applicable, the notice requirements under subsection 2 of NRS 125E.220.

(a) Subject to the procedures under subsection 3 of NRS 125E.210, the child is an Indian child, the court’s order under this subsection must include a finding regarding whether the proposed adoptive placement complies with the preferences under - *AB227_R1* – 31 – NRS 125E.350.

If the court finds that the proposed adoptive placement does not comply with such preferences or that the documentation provided by the petitioner is insufficient for the court to make a finding, the court shall direct the petitioner to amend the petition to cure the deficiency or file a motion under - 83rd Session (2025) – 32 – subsection 3 of NRS 125E.350 for authority to make the placement contrary to the placement preferences under NRS 125E.350.

(b) The petitioner failed to satisfy the inquiry requirements under subsection 1 of NRS 125E.210 or, if applicable, the notice requirements under subsection 2 of NRS 125E.220, or if thethenotice documentation supplied by the petitioner is insufficient for the court to make those findings, the court shall direct the petitioner to cure the inquiry or notice deficiency and file an amended petition.

(b) Descriptions of any oral responses and copies of any written responses the petitioner or moving party obtained from the persons described in subsection 1 of NRS 125E.210 andandined from the subsection 3 of NRS 125E.220;

and - *AB227_R1* – 32 – (f) The declaration of compliance regarding the notices the petitioner sent, as described in section 74 of this act.

- 83rd Session (2025) – 33 – 4.

5.to the public forms and information to assists petitioners to comply with the requirements under this section and NRS 125E.210, 125E.220, 125E.350 and section 74 of this act and any related rules or regulations, including, without limitation:

The court administrator may prepare and make available to the public forms and information to assists petitioners to comply with the requirements under this section and NRS 125E.210, 125E.220, 125E.350 and section 74 of this act and any related rules or regulations, including, without limitation:

and (b) Worksheets and checklists to assist petitioners with the inquiry required under subsection 1 of NRS 125E.210 and the notices required under subsection 1 of NRS 125E.220, and assessing whether proposed adoptive placements satisfy the preferences under NRS 125E.350.

The court administrator may design and offer trainings to courts having jurisdiction over adoption matters regarding applicationsthe application of chapter 125E of NRS, and sections 64, 74, 80 and 86 to 96, inclusive, of this act, to adoptions of minor children, including, without limitation, identifying when there is reason to know that the child is an Indian child and making findings regarding the sufficiency of inquiry and notice of the appropriateness of adoptive placements.

As used in this section, “ICWA compliance report” means a written report prepared by an agency which provides child welfare services concerning compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, 25 U.S.C.

- *AB227_R1*83rd Session (2025) – 3334 – (b) The court shall accept a tribal customary adoptive home study conducted by the Indian child’s tribe if the home study:

(1) Includes federal criminal background checks, including reports of child abuse, that meet the standards applicable under the lawsla(2) Uses the prevailing social and cultural standards of thisthe StateIndian child’s tribe as the standards for allevaluation otherof the proposed adoptive placements;placement;

(2) Uses the prevailing social and cultural standards of the Indian child’s tribe as the standards for evaluation of the proposed adoptive placement;

2.customary adoption that is filed by the Indian child’s tribe if:

The court shall accept an order or judgment for tribal customary adoption that is filed by the Indian child’s tribe if:

(b) The court finds that the tribal customary adoption is in the Indianbest child’sinterest bestof interest,the child, as described in NRS 125E.230;

and - 83rd Session (2025) – 35 – (3) Does not include any child support obligations from the Indian child’s parents or Indian custodian.

- *AB227_R1* – 34 –  The court shall afford full faith and credit to a tribal customary adoption order or judgment that is accepted under this subsection.

3.petition for adoption when the court accepts a tribal customaryile a adoption order or judgment under subsection 2.

A tribal customary adoptive parent is not required to file a petition for adoption when the court accepts a tribal customary adoption order or judgment under subsection 2.

Any parental rights or obligations not specifically retained by the Indian child’s parents in the order of adoption are conclusively presumed to transfer to the tribal customary adoptive parents.par8.ts.This section remains operative only to the extent that compliance with the provisions of this section do not conflict with federal law as a condition of receiving funding under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C.

8.

This section remains operative only to the extent that compliance with the provisions of this section do not conflict with federal law as a condition of receiving funding under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C.

As used in this section, “tribal customary adoption” means the adoption of an Indian child, by and through the tribal - 83rd Session (2025) – 36 – custom, traditions or law of the child’s tribe, and which may be effected without the termination of parental rights.

The parent or parents and the prospective adoptive parent or parents of a child to be adopted may enter into -between:ceable *AB227_R1* – 35 – an enforceable agreement that provides for postadoptive contact between:(a) The child and the parent or parents;

(a) The child and the parent or parents;

3.agreement that provides for postadoptive contact.

TheIf identitysuchluded ofin aan parentinformation is notwithheld, requiredan toagent bewho includedmay inreceive anservice agreementof thatprocess provides for postadoptivethe contact.parent must be provided in the agreement.

If such information is withheld, an agent who may receive service of process for the parent must be provided in the agreement.

If a parent or adoptive parent refuses or fails to include such an address in an agreement that provides for postadoptive contact, the court may, on the date on which the court enters an order of adoption which incorporates the agreement, order the agency which provides child welfare services - 83rd Session (2025) – 37 – to provide the court with the contact information of the parent or adoptive parent who refused or failed to include the address.

(a) Append the address to the agreement for postadoptive contact;con(b) Make the address available to any party to the agreement who wishes to file a petition pursuant to section 94 of this act.

and - *AB227_R1* – 36 – (b) Make the address available to any party to the agreement who wishes to file a petition pursuant to section 94 of this act.

Each prospective adoptive parent of a child to be adopted who enters into an agreement that provides for postadoptive contact pursuant to section 91 of this act shall notify the court responsible for entering the order of adoption of the child of the existence of the agreement as soon as practicable after the agreement is established, but not later than the time at whichwhicher the court enters the order of adoption of the child.

Sec.- 83rd Session (2025) – 38 – of a child, the court must address:ay enter an order of adoption (a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, each prospective adoptive parent of the child to be adopted;

93.

1.

Before a court may enter an order of adoption of a child, the court must address:

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, each prospective adoptive parent of the child to be adopted;

and - *AB227_R1* – 37 – (c) Each attorney representing a prospective adoptive parent, the child and the agency which provides child welfare services in the adoption proceedings concerning the child,  and inquire whether the person has actual knowledge that the prospective adoptive parent or parents of the child and parent or parents of the child have entered into an agreement that provides for postadoptive contact pursuant to section 91 of this act.

(a) Order the prospective adoptive parent or parents to provide a copy of the agreement to the court;

andandent or parents to provide (b) Incorporate the agreement into the order of adoption.

An adoptive parent who has entered into an agreement that providesmay:ides for postadoptive contact pursuant to section 91 of this act may:(a) During the period set forth in subsection 2 of section 95 of this act, petition the court that entered the order of adoption of the child to enforce the terms of the agreement that provides for postadoptive contact if the agreement complies with the requirements of subsection 2 of section 91 of this act;

(a)and During(b) thePetition period set forth in subsection 2 of section 95 of this act, petition the court that entered the order of adoption of the child to enforcemodify theor termsterminate of the agreement that provides for postadoptive- contact83rd ifSession the(2025) agreement– complies39 with– thepostadoptive requirementscontact ofin subsectionthe 2manner ofset forth in section 9196 of this act;act.

and (b) Petition the court that entered the order of adoption of the child to modify or terminate the agreement that provides for postadoptive contact in the manner set forth in section 96 of this act.

(a) Filed under the same case number as the proceeding for adoption;ado(b) Served by the parent or adoptive parent who filed the petition using certified or registered mail with return receipt requested, or if elected by any of the parties to the postadoptive contact agreement to receive service by alternate means through electronic mail, upon each other parent or adoptive parent, as applicable, who has entered into the agreement that provides for postadoptive contact at the address provided pursuant to subsection 4 or 5 of section 91 of this act;

(b) Served by the parent or adoptive parent who filed the petition using certified or registered mail with return receipt requested, or if elected by any of the parties to the postadoptive contact agreement to receive service by alternate means through electronic mail, upon each other parent or adoptive parent, as - *AB227_R1* – 38 – applicable, who has entered into the agreement that provides for postadoptive contact at the address provided pursuant to subsection 4 or 5 of section 91 of this act;

(b) Revoke, nullify or set aside a valid specific consent to adoptionado(c) orExcept relinquishment;as otherwise provided in NRS 41.509, award any civil damages to a party to the agreement.

or (c) Except as otherwise provided in NRS 41.509, award any civil damages to a party to the agreement.

and - 83rd Session (2025) – 40 – (2) The contact provided for in the agreement is no longer in the best interest of the child;

2.or termination of an agreement pursuant to this section:modification (a) There is a presumption that the modification or termination is in the best interest of the child;

If an adoptive parent petitions the court for a modification or termination of an agreement pursuant to this section:

(a) There is a presumption that the modification or termination is in the best interest of the child;

- *AB227_R1* – 39 – (a) May limit, restrict, condition or decrease contact between the parties involved in the agreement;

(2) Regulations establishing the procedure to be used by an agency which provides child welfare services in placing childrenchildrenn for adoption, which must allow the parent or parents and the prospective adoptive parent or parents to determine, by mutual agreement, the amount of identifying information that will be communicated concerning each of them.

- 83rd Session (2025) – 41 – (a) In a county whose population is less than 100,000, the Division shall, in accordance with NRS 432.014;

and (b) In a county whose population is 100,000 or more, the board of the county commissioners of the county shall, by ordinance,  charge reasonable fees for the services provided by an agency which provides child welfare services in placing, arranging the placement of or assisting in the placing or arranging the placement of any child for adoption and for conducting any investigation required by section 100 of this act.

The fees charged for those services must vary based on criteria developed by the Division and board of county commissioners but must not exceed the usual and customary fees that child-placing agencies in the area where the services provided, or in a similar geographic area, would charge for those - *AB227_R1* – 40 – services.

Any money collected by an agency which provides child welfare services in a county whose population is less than 100,000 pursuant to this section must be accounted for in the appropriate account of the Division and may be used only to pay for the costs of any adoptive or postadoptive services provided by any agency which provides child welfare services in a county whose population is less than 100,000.

The agency which provides child welfare services shall complete a home study that investigates the medical, mental, financial and moral backgrounds of the prospective adoptive parents to determine the suitability of the home for - 83rd Session (2025) – 42 – placement of the child for adoption.

If the placement is to be made in a home outside of this State, the agency which provides child welfare services must receive a copy of a report, completed by the appropriate authority, of an investigation of the home and the medical, mental, financial and moral backgrounds of the prospective adoptive parent or parents to determine the suitability of the home for placement of the child for adoption.

- *AB227_R1* – 41 – 2.

Any fees for fingerprinting and submission to the Central Repository and the Federal Bureau of Investigation must be paid by (a) In a county whose population is less than 100,000, the prospectiveDivision adoptivemay parent,adopt exceptregulations that:providing for the payment of those fees by the Division;

(a) In a county whose population is less than 100,000, the Division may adopt regulations providing for the payment of those fees by the Division;

Upon the completion of a home study conducted by an agency which provides child welfare services pursuant to section 100- of83rd thisSession act,(2025) the– agency43 which– provides child welfare services shall inform the prospective adoptive parent or parents of thetheces results of the home study.

or (b)Sec. Are the holders of a valid registry identification card.

- *AB227_R1* – 42 – Sec.

Whenever the agency which provides childchildn welfarecard. services believes that anyone has violated or is about to violate any of the provisions of this chapter, in addition to any other penalty or remedy provided:

welfare services believes that anyone has violated or is about to violate any of the provisions of this chapter, in addition to any other penalty or remedy provided:

and (b) The court shall, if a child has been or was about to be placed in a prospective adoptive home in violation of the provisions of this chapterchapter: prohibit the placement if the child was about to be so placed, or order the removal of the child if the child was so placed within 6 months before the filing of the petition by the agency which provides child welfare services.

(1) Prohibit the placement if the child was about to be so placed;

or (2) Order the removal of the child if the child was so placed which provides child welfare services and the court determinesy that it is in the best interest of the child for the child to be removed from the prospective adoptive home.

Upon completion of the investigation, if the home is found- suitable83rd forSession the(2025) child,– the44 prospective– adoptive parents must be allowed 6 months from the date of completion of the parents must investigation to file a petition for adoption.

If a child who is in the custody of an agency which provides child welfare services is placed for adoption, the agency must provide the court which is conducting the adoption proceedings with a copy of any order for visitation with a sibling of 2.e cThe court shall incorporate an order for visitation provided to the court pursuant to subsection 1 into the order of adoption unless, not later than 30 days after notice of the filing of the petition for adoption is provided to all legal custodians or guardians of the child thatwho wasare issuedrequired to be provided with such notice pursuant to NRSsection 432B.580.76 of this act, any interested party in the adoption, including, without limitation, the prospective adoptive parent, the adoptive child, a sibling of the adoptive child, the agency which provides child welfare services petitions the court to exclude the order of visitation with a sibling from the order of adoption or amend the order for visitation before including the order in the order of adoption.

2.

The court shall incorporate an order for visitation provided to the court pursuant to subsection 1 into the order of adoption unless, not later than 30 days after notice of the filing of the petition for adoption is provided to all legal custodians or guardians of the child who are required to be provided with such notice pursuant to section 76 of this act, any interested party in the - *AB227_R1* – 43 – adoption, including, without limitation, the prospective adoptive parent, the adoptive child, a sibling of the adoptive child, the agency which provides child welfare services petitions the court to exclude the order of visitation with a sibling from the order of adoption or amend the order for visitation before including the order in the order of adoption.

The hearing on a petition submitted pursuant to subsection 2 must be held on the same date as the hearing on the petition for adoption.

Any interested party is entitled to participate in the hearing.and place of the hearing to the prospective adoptive parent, the time adoptive child, a sibling of the adoptive child, the attorney for the adoptive child or a sibling of the adoptive child and the agency which provides child welfare services.

The clerk of the court shall give written notice of the time and place of the hearing to the prospective adoptive parent, the adoptive child, a sibling of the adoptive child, the attorney for the adoptive child or a sibling of the adoptive child and the agency which provides child welfare services.

If so - 83rd Session (2025) – 45 – ordered, the agency which provides child welfare services must provide such contact information under seal.

The sole consideration of the court in making a determination concerning visitation with a sibling pursuant to this sectionpursuant isto subsection 2, the bestcourt interestmust ofnot enter an order ofbmitted adoption until the child.court has made a determination concerning visitation with a sibling.

If a petition is submitted pursuant to subsection 2, the court must not enter an order of adoption until the court has made a determination concerning visitation with a sibling.

In addition to any requirement set forth in sections 2 to 46, inclusive, of this act, as applicable:

- *AB227_R1* – 44 – 1.

The provisions of sections 108 to 111, inclusive, of this act, and section 114 of this act govern confirmatory adoptions.

2.govern readoptions.ons of sections 112, 113 and 114 of this act Sec.

The provisions of sections 112, 113 and 114 of this act govern readoptions.

Sec.

- 83rd Session (2025) – 46 – Sec.

The new name of the child, if requested in the petition pursuant to section 109108 of this act.

State if the birth certificate of the child was issued in this State.

111.

A confirmatory adoption may be sought in this State if the birth certificate of the child was issued in this State.

Sec.

A petitioner and any spouse of the petitioner who adopts a child through an intercountry adoption may petition to re-adoptreadopt the child in this State.

A petition for re-adoptionreadoption must:

After an order of confirmatory adoption or re-readoption adoption has been entered, the court shall direct the petitioner or the attorney of the petitioner to prepare a report of adoption on a form prescribed and furnished by the State Registrar of Vital Statistics or the equivalent office in the state that issued the birth certificate.

-adopted;dentify *AB227_R1*the –original 45certificate –of (a)birth Identifyof the originalperson (b) Provide sufficient information to prepare a new certificate of birth offor the person adopted;

(b) Provide sufficient information to prepare a new certificate of birth for the person adopted;

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in section 117 to - 83rd Session (2025) – 47 – 121, inclusive, of this act, have the meanings ascribed to them in those section.sections.

Who has legal rights, privileges, responsibilities and obligations to a child and is a biological or legal parent of a child whose parental rights have not been terminated by a court order child or execution of a specific consent to adoption or relinquishment;

Who is a putative parent or proven parent of a child;

Terminates or retains the parental right of the person executingexe2.tinAuthorizes the document;child to be adopted by a specifically named person or persons.

and - *AB227_R1* – 46 – 2.

Authorizes the child to be adopted by a specifically named person or persons.

(a)- The83rd stateSession in(2025) which– a48 child– lived for at least 6 consecutive months, including any temporary absence from the state, such as aae placement outside of the state through the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children pursuant to NRS 127.320 to 127.350, inclusive, immediately before the commencement of a proceeding;

(a) A child may be adopted by one or more adults subject to the rules prescribed in this chapter.chapter;

A court may approve the adoption of a child without regard to the age difference of the child and the prospective adoptive parents if the court is satisfied that it is in the best interest of the child.

124.5.

Compliance with the requirements of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children pursuant to NRS 127.320 to 127.350, inclusive, may be performed by an agency which provides child welfare services, a child-placing agency or an attorney licensed to practice law in this State.

Sec.

Except as otherwise provided in subsection 5, a married person not lawfully separated from a spouse may not adopt a child without the agreement of the spouse, if such spouse is capable of givinggiv3.g sIf a spouse agrees to an adoption as described in subsection 2, such agreement todoes not establish any parental rights or responsibilities on the adoption.part of the spouse unless the spouse:

-(a) *AB227_R1*Has, –in 47a –writing 3.filed with the court, agreed to:

If a spouse agrees to an adoption as described in subsection 2, such agreement does not establish any parental rights or responsibilities on the part of the spouse unless the spouse:

(a) Has, in a writing filed with the court, specifically agreed to:

- 83rd Session (2025) – 49 – 4.

5.agreement of a spouse who cannot be located after a diligent search or who is determined by the court to lack the capacity to agree.

The court may dispense with the requirement for the agreement of a spouse who cannot be located after a diligent search or who is determined by the court to lack the capacity to agree.

Except as otherwise provided in section 135 of this act, a specific consent to adoption or a relinquishment is required from:

An Indian child’s parent may consent to the adoption of the Indian child at any time not less than 10 days following the datebefore of the Indiancourt child’son birththe record.h by executing the consent in person before3. the court on the record.

3.

- *AB227_R1* – 48 – 4.

The withdrawal of consent must be made by filing the - 83rd Session (2025) – 50 – written withdrawal with the court or by making a statement of withdrawal on the record in the adoption proceeding.

Upon entry of the withdrawal of consent, the court must promptly notify the person or entity that arranged the adoptive placement to regain custodyconsent andmay controlpetition the court for the return of the Indianchild.raws child.6.

A parent who withdraws consent may petition the court for the return of the child.

6.

If an agency which provides child welfare services accepts a relinquishment on behalf of a child-placing agency pursuant to subsection 1, the child-placing agency shall reimburse the agency which provides child welfare services for any costs associated with the acceptance.

- *AB227_R1* – 49 – (b) Is in writing and signed by the person consenting to the adoption or relinquishing for the adoption not sooner than 72 hours after the birth of the child.

(c) Is acknowledged by the person consenting and signing the specific consent to adoption or relinquishment before a judge or a - 83rd Session (2025) – 51 – clerk of the court having a seal, a notary public or a justice of the peace.

(1) For a specific consent to adoption, the name of the person or persons to whom specific consent to adopt the child is given;

or persons to whom specific consent to adopt the child is (2) For a relinquishment, the name of the child-placing agency.

(f) Is attested by at least two competent, disinterested witnesses who subscribe their names to the specific consent to adoption or relinquishment in the presence of or by remote appearance of the person consenting or relinquishing and a notary public.

Any or all of the attesting witnesses to any relinquishment may make and sign an affidavit before any person authorized to administer oaths in this State, stating such facts as they would be required to testify to in court to prove the due executionthe ofrelinquishment theor, relinquishment.if that is impracticable, on some paper on attached thereto.

The affidavit must be written on the relinquishment or, if that is impracticable, on some paper attached thereto.

- *AB227_R1* – 50 – State of Nevada } }ss.

} 5 (Date).................................

7- 83rd Session (2025) – 52 – Then and there personally appeared the within-named ................

(name of person or persons relinquishing);declared the same to be a voluntary relinquishment in their presence;

that they subscribed the relinquishment and declared the same to be a voluntary relinquishment in their presence;

(name of person or persons relinquishing) that at the time of the execution of the consentrelinquishment to adoption ................

The sworn statement of any witness so taken must be accepted by the court in any action or proceeding relating to the validity or due execution - *AB227_R1* – 51 – of the specific consent to adoption as if it had been taken before the court.

6- 83rd Session (2025) – 53 – State of Nevada } }ss.

that they thereafter subscribed the same as witnesses in the consent) and in the presence of each other and at thens giving request of ................

(name of person or persons giving consent) and in the presence of each other and at the request of ................

If a person to whom a specific consent to adopt a child is given for an adoption pursuant to section 129 of this act has, at the time the specific consent is executed, legal custody over - *AB227_R1* – 52 – the child, the person is legally responsible for the child and shall provide for the care, support and maintenance of the child until a - 83rd Session (2025) – 54 – court holds a hearing to enter an order of adoption or to deny the petition pursuant to the laws of this State or another state.

If a prospective adoptive parent or parents determine that an adoption cannot or should not proceed, the adoptiveado(a) parentWithdraw a petition for termination of parental rights or parents,a aspetition applicable,for may:adoption;

(a) Withdraw a petition for termination of parental rights or a petition for adoption;

and (b) Give notice toto: all parents of the child, the court of competent jurisdiction and the child-placing agency, if applicable.

(1) All parents of the child;

(2) The court of competent jurisdiction, if a petition for adoption has been filed;

and (3) The child-placing agency, if applicable.

If a prospective adoptive parent or parents makes a declaration surrendering an adoptive placement pursuant to subsection 1,1: the prospective adoptive parent or parents must return the child to the placing parent or parents, if the placing parent or parents wish to accept and regain custody of the child.

4.(a) The prospective adoptive parent or parents must return the child to the placing parent or parents, if the placing parent or parents wish to accept and regain custody of the child;

or (b) If the placing parent or parents decline to accept the child, the placing parent or parents may relinquish the child to a child- placing agency for placement.

void is without legal effect and the parental rights are restored.

5.

- 83rd Session (2025) – 55 – 4.

A specific consent to adoption or relinquishment executed by a minor parent cannot be revoked or nullified based upon the minormin6. parent becoming an adult.

6.paA specific consent to adoption or relinquishment can become invalid if:

A(a) Every parent of the child does not execute a specific consent to adoption of the child or relinquishment canor becomehave invalidhis if:or her parental rights terminated by a court of competent jurisdiction within 18 months after the execution of the specific consent to adoption or relinquishment;

(a)(b) EveryNo parentpetition offor the child does not execute a specific consent to adoption of the child orhas relinquishmentbeen orfiled have his or her parental rights terminated by athe courtperson ofor competentpersons jurisdictionnamed -in *AB227_R1*the –specific 53consent –to withinadoption 18within months after the execution of the specific consent to adoption or relinquishment;

(b) No petition for adoption of the child has been filed by the person or persons named in the specific consent to adoption within 18 months after the execution of the specific consent to adoption or relinquishment;

Upon the death of the parent, as evidenced by a certificate of death3.athUpon orthe othertermination evidenceof deemedthe sufficientparental byrights of the court;parent through operation of law by a birth father registry operated in another state.

or 3.

Upon the termination of the parental rights of the parent through operation of law by a birth father registry operated in another state.

(e)- That83rd theSession petitioners(2025) are– 56 – care and custody of the child.e fit and proper persons to have the care(f) andThat custodythey ofare financially able to provide for the child.

(f)(g) That theythere arehas financiallybeen ablea tofull providecompliance forwith the child.law in regard to the termination of parental rights, specific consent to adoption or relinquishment as to all parents.

(g) That there has been a full compliance with the law in regard to consent to adoption.

- *AB227_R1* – 54 – (k) Whether there is an order for visitation of a child by a sibling or other relative.

Notice of the filing of a petition for the adoption of a child mustwho beare providednot toa allparent legal custodians or guardians of the childchild.stodians whoor areguardians not a parent of the child.Sec.

Sec.

Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, the prospective adoptive parent or parents, child to be adopted, representative of the child-placing agency and counsel for the parties may attend by telephone or videoremote appearance in lieu of attending in person, any hearings held by the court concerning the petition for adoption.

When determining whether the best interest of the child warrants the granting of a petition that is filed by a prospective adoptive parent, the court shall give strong prospective adoptive parent.

- 83rd Session (2025) – 57 – 2.

(b)(c) IfThe known, the names and addresses of the parents;adoptive parents;;

(c) The names and addresses of the adoptive parents;

and - *AB227_R1* – 55 – (i) A finding that the adoptive placement complies with the placement preferences under NRS 125E.350 or, if the placement does not comply with the placement preferences under NRS 125E.350, a finding upon the petitioner’s motion under subsection 3 of NRS 125E.350 that good cause exists for placement contrary to the placement preferences.

For each finding or determination made under this section,which the courtfinding mustor providedetermination ais descriptionbased.n of the facts upon which4. the finding or determination is based.

4.

(b)- Provide83rd sufficientSession information(2025) – 58 – of birth for the person adopted;ation to prepare a new certificate of(c) birthIdentify for the personorder adopted;of adoption;

(c) Identify the order of adoption;

2.presumption for the purposes of this chapter that remaining in the home of the adoptive parents is in the best interest of the child.

After a petition for adoption has been granted, there is a presumption for the purposes of this chapter that remaining in the home of the adoptive parents is in the best interest of the child.

The child-placing agency may consent to the adoption of a child under 18 years of age with special needs due to - *AB227_R1* – 56 – race, age or physical or mental problems who is in the custody of the child-placing agency by proposedprospective adoptive parents when, in the judgment of the child-placing agency, it would be in the best interest of the child to be placed in that adoptive home.

(I) That they may be eligible for a grant of financial assistanceassistance(II) pursuantThe manner in which to thisapply section;for such financial assistance;

and (II) The manner in which to apply for such financial assistance;

- 83rd Session (2025) – 59 – (a) Reaches 18 years of age, if the child is not enrolled in school, or 19 years of age, if the child is enrolled in school;

(c) Becomes self-supporting;

ororrting; (e) Dies.

(e) Dies.

A court shall waive all court costs of the proposedprospective adoptive parents in an adoption proceeding for a child with special needs if the child-placing agency consents to the adoption of such a child pursuant to this section.

- *AB227_R1* – 57 – 3.

(a) The petition is filed not later than 2 years following the date of the order;

and filed not later than 2 years following the (b) The court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the parent’s consent was obtained through fraud or duress.

- 83rd Session (2025) – 60 – 2.

(b) Inform the recipient of the right to move the court for the returnIndian ofchild, custodyif ofappropriate, andunder restorationthis ofsection;rights parentalto rightsthe (c) Provide sufficient information to allow the Indianrecipient child,to ifparticipate appropriate,in underany thisscheduled section;hearings;

(c) Provide sufficient information to allow the recipient to participate in any scheduled hearings;

At any time before the entry of an order of adoption of an Indian child, the former parent or prior Indian custodian may revoke a waiver executed by the former parent or prior Indian - *AB227_R1* – 58 – custodian pursuant to subsection 3 by filing a written revocation with the court or by making a statement of revocation on thetheation record in a proceeding for the adoption of the Indian child.

(a)- The83rd agencySession which(2025) provides– child61 welfare– services in the county in which the order was vacated;

welfare services in the (b) Each tribe of which the child may be a member or in which the Indian child may be eligible for membership;

The court shall order the Indian child to be returned to the custody of the former parent or prior Indian custodian or restore the parental rights to the Indian child unless the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that the return of custody orords, by restoration of parental rights is not in the child’s best interests,interest of the child, as described in NRS 125E.230.

- *AB227_R1* – 59 – (b) “Prior Indian custodian” means a person who was previously the custodian of an Indian child subject to an order of adoption of the child under this chapter.

Sec.an Indian child’s tribe or the United States Secretary of thef Interior requests access to the adoption records of an Indian child, the court must make the records available not later than 14 days following the date of the request.

146.

1.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if an Indian child’s tribe or the United States Secretary of the Interior requests access to the adoption records of an Indian child, the court must make the records available not later than 14 days following the date of the request.

The records made available under subsection 1 must, at a minimum, include the petition, all substantive orders entered in the adoption proceedings, the complete record of the placement finding and, if the placement departs from the placement preference- under83rd NRSSession 125E.350,(2025) detailed– documentation62 of– the efforts to comply with the placement preferences.preferences.tion of the Sec.

Sec.

(1) The termination or voluntary relinquishment of the parentalparent(2) rightsThe execution of thea parentspecific consent to adoption or parents;relinquishment.

or (2) The execution of a specific consent to adoption or relinquishment.

If a parent or adoptive parent refuses or fails to include such an address in an agreement that provides - *AB227_R1* – 60 – for postadoptive contact, the court may, on the date on which the court enters an order of adoption which incorporates thewhich the agreement, order the child-placing agency to provide the court with the contact information of the parent or adoptive parent who refused or failed to include the address.

- 83rd Session (2025) – 63 – 5.

If a parent or adoptive parent changes the address that was included in an agreement that provides for postadoptive contact pursuant to subsection 4, the parent shall file with the clerk of the court notice of the change of address within 15 days after the changecha6.e A court that enters an order of address.adoption which incorporates an agreement that provides for postadoptive contact shall retain jurisdiction to enforce, modify or terminate the agreement that provides for postadoptive contact until:

6.

A court that enters an order of adoption which incorporates an agreement that provides for postadoptive contact shall retain jurisdiction to enforce, modify or terminate the agreement that provides for postadoptive contact until:

and (b) Attorney representing a prospective adoptive parent, the child and the child-placing agency in the adoption proceedingsproceedingse concerning the child,  shall, as soon as practicable after obtaining actual knowledge that the prospective adoptive parent or parents of the child and the parent or parents of the child have entered into an agreement that provides for postadoptive contact pursuant to section 147 of this - *AB227_R1* – 61 – act, notify the court responsible for entering the order of adoption of the child of the existence of the agreement.

and - 83rd Session (2025) – 64 – (c) Each attorney representing a prospective adoptive parent, the child and the child-placing agency in the adoption proceedings concerning the child,  and inquire whether the person has actual knowledge that the prospective adoptive parent or parents of the child and parent or parents of the child have entered into an agreement that provides for postadoptive contact pursuant to section 147 of this act.

The court may for purposes of subsection 1 address a prospective adoptive parent described in section 138 of this act by telephone or videoremote conference.appearance.

and (b) During the period set forth in subsection 2 of section 151 of this act, petition the court that entered the order of adoption of the child to enforce the terms of the agreement that provides for postadoptive contact if the agreement complies with the requirementsreq2.remAn ofadoptive subsectionparent 2who ofhas entered into an agreement that provides for postadoptive contact pursuant to section 147 of this act.act may:

2.

An adoptive parent who has entered into an agreement that provides for postadoptive contact pursuant to section 147 of this act may:

and - *AB227_R1* – 62 – (b) Petition the court that entered the order of adoption of the child to modify or terminate the agreement that provides for postadoptive contact in the manner set forth in section 152 of this act.

(b)- Served83rd bySession the(2025) parent– or65 adoptive– parent who filed the petition using certified or registered mail with return receipt requested, or if elected by any of the parties to the postadoptive contact agreement to receive service by alternate means through electronic mail, upon each other parent or adoptive parent, as applicable, who has entered into the agreement that provides for postadoptive contact at the address provided pursuant to subsection 4 or 5 of section 147 of this act;

Sec.agreement that provides for postadoptive contact entered into pursuant to section 147 of this act may not be used as a ground to:

151.

1.

Failure to comply with the terms of an agreement that provides for postadoptive contact entered into pursuant to section 147 of this act may not be used as a ground to:

The courtonly mayif:y grant a request to modify or terminate the agreement only(a) if:The adoptive parent petitioning the court for the modification or termination establishes that:

(a)(1) TheA adoptivechange parentin petitioningcircumstances thewarrants court for the modification or terminationtermination; establishes that:

- *AB227_R1* – 63 – (1) A change in circumstances warrants the modification or termination;

- 83rd Session (2025) – 66 – 2.

and (b)the Theagreement.rt court may consider the wishes of the child involved in the3. agreement.

3.

A person may pay the medical and other necessary living expenses related to the birth of a child of another as an act of charity so long as the payment is not contingent upon the parent’s placement of the child for adoption, the execution of a specific consent to adoption or relinquishment or cooperation in the adoption of the child.

relinquishment or cooperation in the 4.

- *AB227_R1* – 64 – 7.

Sec.- 83rd Session (2025) – 67 – follows:154.

154.NRS 125E.210 is hereby amended to read as 125E.210 1.

NRS 125E.210 is hereby amended to read as follows:

125E.210 1.

and (f) Any Indian tribe of which the child may be a member or of whichwhi2. the child may be eligible for membership.

2.thA court or person has reason to know that a child in a child custody proceeding is an Indian child if:

A court or person has reason to know that a child in a child custody proceeding is an Indian child if:

(f) The court or the person is informed that the child is or has been a ward of a tribal court;

is informed that the child is or has (g) The court or the person is informed that the child or the child’s parent possesses an identification card or other record indicating membership in an Indian tribe;

- *AB227_R1*83rd Session (2025) – 6568 – 3.

Except as otherwise provided in [NRS 127.1867,] section 89 of this act, whenever a person is required to demonstrate to the court in a child custody proceeding that the person made efforts to determine whether a child is an Indian child, the court shall make written findings regarding whether the person satisfied the inquiry requirements under subsection 1 and whether the child is an IndianIndiany child or whether there is reason to know that the child is an Indian child.

If the court finds under subsection 3 that there is reason to know that the child is an Indian child but the court does not have sufficient evidence to make a finding that the child is or is not an Indian child, the court shall require the appropriate agency or other party to submit a report, declaration or testimony on the record that the agency or other party used due diligence to identify and work with all of the tribes of which the child may be a member or in which the child may be eligible for membership to verify whether the child is a member or is eligible for membership.

154.5.

NRS 125E.230 is hereby amended to read as follows:

125E.230 In a child custody proceeding involving an Indian child, when making a determination regarding the best [interests] interest of the child in accordance with [NRS 125E.010 to 125E.370, inclusive,] this chapter and chapter 432B of NRS, the Indian Child Welfare Act [,] of 1978, 25 U.S.C.

§§ 1901 et seq., or - 83rd Session (2025) – 69 – any applicable regulations or rules regarding [NRS 125E.010 to 125E.370, inclusive,] this chapter or chapter 432B of NRS or the Indian Child Welfare Act, the court shall, in consultation with the Indian child’s tribe, consider the following: