Existing law establishes procedures to petition for an independent adoption of a child by various individuals, including a legal guardian who had been the child's legal guardian for more than one year. Existing law establishes a separate process for a stepparent desiring to adopt a child of the stepparent's spouse to file a petition in the county in which the petitioner resides. Under existing law, a stepparent adoption is not subject to certain requirements applicable to an independent adoption, such as the requirement for a home study, unless ordered by the court, as prescribed, or the payment of a nonrefundable fee to the State Department of Social Services or to the delegated county adoption agency at the time of filing for the cost of investigating the adoption petition. This bill would establish procedures for a legal guardian who has been the child's legal guardian for more than one year, similar to the procedures for a stepparent adoption, instead of requiring the guardian to file a petition for an independent adoption. Among other provisions, the bill would require the court to consider and review an investigative report conducted by a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed marriage and family therapist, a licensed professional clinical counselor, or a private licensed adoption agency selected by the petitioner, or by a probation officer, a qualified court investigator, or the county welfare department, as appointed by the court. By expanding the duties of county welfare departments and probation officers, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
Sponsored bills
Existing law exempts from vehicle registration those privately owned vehicles designed or capable of being used for firefighting purposes when operated upon a highway only in responding to, and returning from, emergency fire calls. This bill would expand that registration exemption to include non-fire emergency calls and private ambulances.
This measure would recognize the importance of California Native American Day, celebrated this year on September 24, 2021, and the annual California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference, to the enhancement of awareness of California Indian culture.
This measure would proclaim January 13, 2022, as Korean American Day.
This measure would designate the month of November 2021 to be California's Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Month. The measure would recognize and acknowledge the significant contributions made by Californians of Sikh heritage to our state and seeks to afford all Californians the opportunity to better understand, recognize, and appreciate the rich history and shared principles of Sikh Americans. The measure would condemn all hate crimes and bias incidents against Sikh Americans and encourage all Sikhs to practice their faith freely and fearlessly.
This measure would recognize September 2021 as PACE Month in California.