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Senate rejects 'Keep Kids First' adoption-and-foster bill after extended debate
Summary
After extended floor debate, the Senate voted down House Bill 16 69 — the Keep Kids First Act — which would have protected foster/adoption providers and parents from adverse government action for acting consistent with sincerely held religious beliefs; opponents raised child-protection and drafting concerns.
The Arkansas Senate debated House Bill 16 69 — titled in debate as the "Keep Kids First Act" — at length on March 25 before voting to reject the measure. The bill sought to bar adverse state action against foster or adoptive parents and private child-placement agencies acting in ways consistent with "sincerely held religious beliefs," and to prevent certain forms of administrative or fiscal discrimination.
Sponsor Senator Clark described the bill as protecting faith-based placement agencies and…
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