Georgia Legislature finally passes bill making it easier to adopt children

A major effort to make it easier to adopt children in Georgia passed the state Senate on Monday, giving the bill final legislative approval as it heads to Gov. Nathan Deal for his signature.

The adoption measure, House Bill 159, is the most significant legislation to pass the Georgia General Assembly so far this year.

The legislation shortens the time allowed for a birth mother to change her mind after giving up her child, allows adoptive parents to reimburse birth mothers’ living expenses, simplifies out-of-state adoptions and more.