Gov. Nathan Deal on Monday signed HB 159 to enact comprehensive reforms to Georgia’s adoption code.

“In this exceptional state in which so many choose to work, learn and create a home, we continue to value the cornerstone of our society: the family,” said Deal. “Today, I signed HB 159 into law, finally bringing much-needed reforms to our adoption laws and making it easier for adoptive parents to create a loving family in our state.

“This critical and bipartisan bill streamlines the adoption process and updates Georgia’s adoption laws for the 21st century,” he continued. “The work leading up to today has been years in the making, as we last updated these laws when I was in the state Senate, a full generation ago. With the signing of this bill into law, we are giving children, including the 13,500 children in foster care, renewed hope for a forever family.

He said the bipartisan bill streamlines the adoption process and updates the state’s adoptions laws and gives “renewed hope” for the 13,500 children in foster care.

“Many individuals played a role in this process and I appreciate the General Assembly’s focus on what truly matters: the well-being of our youngest citizens,” Deal said.

HB 159, which was introduced by Rep. Bert Reeves, R-Marietta, passed the House on Feb. 1 with a vote of 168-0. It passed the Senate on Feb. 5 with a vote of 53-2.

“HB 159 represents the first major update of Georgia’s adoptions laws in almost three decades,” said Reeves. “With HB 159 being signed into law, families across our entire state will enjoy a more efficient and dependable process of adoption. This will reverse the unfortunate trend that we have seen, adoptive parents going to other states to adopt. This new law will also benefit the thousands of children, from newborns to foster children, who are in need of a loving, permanent home.”

Gov. Nathan Deal on Monday signed HB 159 to enact comprehensive reforms to Georgia’s adoption code.

“In this exceptional state in which so many choose to work, learn and create a home, we continue to value the cornerstone of our society: the family,” said Deal. “Today, I signed HB 159 into law, finally bringing much-needed reforms to our adoption laws and making it easier for adoptive parents to create a loving family in our state.

“This critical and bipartisan bill streamlines the adoption process and updates Georgia’s adoption laws for the 21st century,” he continued. “The work leading up to today has been years in the making, as we last updated these laws when I was in the state Senate, a full generation ago. With the signing of this bill into law, we are giving children, including the 13,500 children in foster care, renewed hope for a forever family.

He said the bipartisan bill streamlines the adoption process and updates the state’s adoptions laws and gives “renewed hope” for the 13,500 children in foster care.

“Many individuals played a role in this process and I appreciate the General Assembly’s focus on what truly matters: the well-being of our youngest citizens,” Deal said.

HB 159, which was introduced by Rep. Bert Reeves, R-Marietta, passed the House on Feb. 1 with a vote of 168-0. It passed the Senate on Feb. 5 with a vote of 53-2.

“HB 159 represents the first major update of Georgia’s adoptions laws in almost three decades,” said Reeves. “With HB 159 being signed into law, families across our entire state will enjoy a more efficient and dependable process of adoption. This will reverse the unfortunate trend that we have seen, adoptive parents going to other states to adopt. This new law will also benefit the thousands of children, from newborns to foster children, who are in need of a loving, permanent home.”