Senate committee backs resolution to accept federal adoption-education funds if language allows

The Senate Health and Welfare Committee on a voice vote agreed to send RS 32271 — a concurrent resolution declaring the legislature’s support for receiving federal funds for adoption education, adoption awareness and expanded birth‑mother support — to print.

Senator Julie Van Orden, R‑District 30, introduced the resolution and said it would position Idaho to accept federal monies for services such as legal help for birth mothers, pre‑ and post‑placement counseling and other supports if federal agencies change grant language that has previously prevented Idaho agencies from taking those grants. Van Orden said national partners are working with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to pursue such changes.

The resolution’s sponsor brought Terry Markcroft, founder and executive director of the nonprofit Unplanned Good, to describe the national advocacy coalition and to outline intended uses: adoption education, birth‑mother care and support, material and legal assistance, and public awareness efforts to increase knowledge of modern adoption practices. Markcroft said participating organizations include several national adoption advocacy groups that want to expand education and supports for women who choose adoption.

Committee members asked whether accepting federal funds could bring “strings attached.” Senator Zanderfeld asked whether the groups seeking the funds would vet federal grant language to avoid unintended consequences. Markcroft said the national coalition plans to seek HHS grants that align with the adoption‑education and birth‑mother support purpose described by the sponsor.

Senator Wintrow said she supported services for new mothers but had concerns about the lack of specific grant language in the packet and the potential for federal grant terms to limit or direct activities (for example, restrictions linked to reproductive‑health programming). Wintrow said she planned to vote no on the motion to print while she sought more detail.

Senator Harris moved to introduce and send RS 32271 to print; the motion passed by voice vote. A roll‑call was not taken; Senator Wintrow indicated she opposed the motion on record.