H.R. 6170: ADOPT Act of 2025
Sponsor
Robert Aderholt
Republican · AL
Bill Progress
Latest Action · Nov 20, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Why it matters
If enacted, the biggest winners are birth parents and adoptive families who now navigate a patchwork system where unlicensed intermediaries can collect money and steer placements with limited accountability. The bill would bar payments over $2,500 to or for a placing parent before that parent has consulted a licensed child-placing agency or licensed attorney in their state, and it would generally prohibit paid adoption advertising unless an exception applies, which could sharply reduce the role of independent facilitators and online matching businesses. Supporters will call that overdue consumer protection; critics may argue it narrows options in private adoption and gives licensed agencies and attorneys a stronger gatekeeping role.
H.R. 6170 Common Questions
How much can someone pay a birth parent before agency or attorney consultation under the ADOPT Act?
Under the ADOPT Act of 2025, payments over $2,500 to or for a placing parent are barred before that parent consults a licensed child-placing agency or licensed attorney in their state (Sec. 3, new 18 U.S.C. 228A(d)).
What are the penalties for illegal adoption intermediary services under HR 6170?
According to H.R. 6170 Section 3, an individual can face a $50,000 fine, up to 5 years in prison, or both, per violation; an organization can be fined $100,000 per violation (new 18 U.S.C. 228A(f)).
Can you advertise for a private interstate adoption online under the ADOPT Act of 2025?
Generally no. Under the ADOPT Act of 2025, knowingly placing an adoption advertisement is prohibited unless an exception applies, such as for licensed agencies or certain attorneys (Sec. 3, new 18 U.S.C. 228A(c)).
Does the ADOPT Act ban paid adoption matching services?
Yes. Under the ADOPT Act of 2025, knowingly providing adoption intermediary services for compensation to link placing parents and prospective adoptive parents is prohibited unless an exception applies (Sec. 3, new 18 U.S.C. 228A(b)).
Which adoption professionals are exempt from the ADOPT Act restrictions?
H.R. 6170 exempts public child-placing agencies, contracted 501(c)(3)s, private licensed child-placing agencies, certain licensed attorneys, approved intercountry providers, and public benefit agencies (Sec. 3, new 18 U.S.C. 228A(b)(2), (c)(2), (d)(2)).
Does the ADOPT Act apply if adoption communications happen across state lines by phone or internet?
Yes. According to H.R. 6170 Section 3, it applies when communications are sent by wire or computer in interstate commerce or when interstate commerce facilities are used (new 18 U.S.C. 228A(e)).
Can a licensed attorney help arrange an adoption under the ADOPT Act?
Yes, if the attorney is licensed in the state where services are provided or where the placing parent lives. The ADOPT Act of 2025 includes that attorney exception in Section 3 (new 18 U.S.C. 228A(b)(2), (c)(2), (d)(2)).
Does the ADOPT Act affect Indian Child Welfare Act cases?
No. Under the ADOPT Act of 2025, nothing in the new federal adoption offense affects the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (Sec. 3, new 18 U.S.C. 228A(g)(1)).
Can states pass stricter adoption rules than the ADOPT Act?
Yes. According to H.R. 6170 Section 3, the bill does not stop states or local governments from enacting more stringent adoption requirements (new 18 U.S.C. 228A(g)(3)).
When would the ADOPT Act of 2025 take effect?
The ADOPT Act of 2025 would take effect 120 days after enactment, according to Section 4.
Based on H.R. 6170 bill text
HR6170 Legislative Journey
Committee Action
Nov 20, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
About the Sponsor
Robert Aderholt
Republican, Alabama's 4th congressional district · 29 years in Congress
Committees: Appropriations
View full profile →
Cosponsors (10)
This bill has 10 cosponsors: 5 Democrats, 5 Republicans, reflecting bipartisan support. Cosponsors represent 10 states: Arizona, California, Florida, and 7 more.
H.R. 6170 Quick Facts
- Chamber
- House
- Policy
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Introduced
- Nov 20, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Nov 20, 2025
Constituent Resources
H.R. 6170 Bill Text
“To amend title 18, United States Code, to criminalize unlawful adoption practices.”
Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office
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