Senate adopts concurrent resolution supporting pursuit of federal adoption funds aligned with state values

The Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 105, which states legislative support for applying for and receiving federal funds that align with Idaho’s pro‑life values and that could be used to support adoption education and emotional support resources for birth mothers and adoptive families.

Senator Van Orden, who introduced the resolution, described it as a statement of support for using available federal funds to assist adoption services and supports. "This concurrent resolution asks that if there are funds that become available on a federal level that align with Idaho's pro life values, that, we will be able to apply for those funds and specifically use some of them for, adoption education, emotional support resources for birth moms," Van Orden said.

Senator Melissa Wintrow said she would support the resolution but asked for a broader view of reproductive‑health services, noting that adoption education is valuable but should be part of a continuum that also includes access to contraception and reproductive health care. "I am gonna support the bill, but I do think it is important to recognize that, adoption education is a very good thing ... we also have to provide ... accurate sexual health education ... access to contraception," Wintrow said.

Senator Zito said she supported the resolution but expressed caution about relying on federal funds because of possible strings attached and the risk that funds could end. "It pains me ... the strings and the guidelines and the regulations that come with it. And then what do we do if the federal funds ever end?" she said.

The resolution was adopted by voice vote and transmitted to the House of Representatives. The transcript records the adoption with no roll‑call tally.