PAPA Act

This bill creates a national registry to link state and tribal "responsible father registries," allowing possible biological fathers to register in one state and receive notice if they might be fathers in another state where a child is being placed for adoption. Adoption agencies, courts, and child welfare authorities would access the registry to identify possible fathers and prevent adoption delays caused by untimely notice. The registry aims to support timely permanent placements for children while protecting mothers' privacy - especially in cases of domestic violence or rape - by reducing the need for mothers to identify possible fathers. States without registries would receive guidance to establish them, and the registry would require a fee for searches.