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Missouri sponsor of adoption-fee bill says higher attorney pay will speed foster-care adoptions
Summary
Rep. Sol Amato presented HB 17-72 to raise attorney fees for adoption proceedings (proposed $2,500 standard, up to $4,000 contested) and to separate guardian subsidy payments; the committee heard clarifying questions and a brief supportive witness statement from Foster Adopt Connect.
Representative Sol Amato (District 113) opened the public hearing on House Bill 17-72 by describing the bill as a narrowly focused response to the cost barrier in private and foster-care adoptions. Amato said attorney fees set by statute have not kept pace with market rates and that the state27s low fee contributes to delays in finalizing adoptions: "So if you look at my bill, it increases the attorney fees to $2,500 in a regular adoption proceeding and up to $4,000 if it's a contested adoption," he said, adding that the proposal also separates guardian subsidy amounts so they are not deducted from attorney compensation.
Committee members raised practical questions about how HB 17-72 would align with a prior "0-cost" adoption measure and whether allowing private attorneys with state-covered fees in contested cases could create an imbalance where one side is represented and the other is not. Representative Schmidt and others asked the sponsor to work with the Department of Social Services and stakeholders to ensure the bill does not unintentionally favor one set of litigants; Amato offered to confer offline and consider targeted amendments.
A representative from Foster Adopt Connect (witness identified as Madison) testified in support, saying the nonprofit provides wrap-around services to foster and adoptive families across Missouri and that it supports the bill while recognizing outstanding implementation questions.
What comes next: HB 17-72 was heard in public session; sponsors indicated willingness to consult with the department and colleagues on clarifying language before any committee vote.
Representative Sol Amato and committee members asked and answered technical questions on contested-adoption scenarios and the program design for guardian subsidies. The public hearing closed without a committee vote on the measure.
