Committee backs resolution asking that federal family‑planning grants allow use for adoption supports

Senate Concurrent Resolution 105, introduced by Senator Julie Van Orden, asks that if federal family‑planning or family‑health grant programs are made available to states, Idaho should be able to use such funds for adoption education, birth‑mother supports and related adoption expenses. The House Health and Welfare Committee voted to send the resolution to the floor with a due‑pass recommendation.

Senator Van Orden told the committee the resolution does not request federal funds but asks that, if the federal government offers grants in these areas, Idaho be allowed to use them for adoption‑related supports. "If grants come … in the health and welfare space that has to do with, maybe family planning or family promotion of some kind or health grants become available … Idaho would like to see provisions put in there so that those funds may be used for adoption expenses," she said.

Terry Marcroft, identifying himself as representing an organization called Unplanned Good, testified in support. Marcroft urged the committee to view adoption education and birth‑mother supports as a way to increase adoption rates and to channel federal dollars toward building capacity in Idaho. In his remarks he stated, "Each year, nearly 3000000 American women face unplanned pregnancies, but less than 1 percent choose adoption," and argued increasing awareness and supports would expand adoption as an option.

Opponents on the committee argued the state should avoid reliance on federal funds and prefer private‑sector or nonprofit approaches. Representative Levitt moved to hold the resolution and argued that private nonprofits could be leveraged instead of using federal tax dollars. Several other members echoed fiscal caution and recommended local nonprofit action rather than expanding the state's acceptance of federal grants.

After debate the committee approved sending SCR 105 to the House floor with a due‑pass recommendation. The committee chair called the voice vote and recorded that he voted aye; several members asked to be recorded. Committee minutes show members asked to be recorded include Representatives Thompson, Taylor, Bergoglund, Raeser and Levitt.