ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR., Governor                           H.B. 232

5-4B-01.

(f) "Search, contact, and reunion services" means services:

(1)     to locate adopted individuals [and], biological parents of adopted
individuals, AND SIBLINGS OF ADOPTED INDIVIDUALS;

(2)     to assess the mutual desire for communication or disclosure of
information between adopted individuals and biological parents of adopted
individuals OR BETWEEN ADOPTED INDIVIDUALS AND SIBLINGS OF ADOPTED
INDIVIDUALS; and

(3)     to provide, or provide referral to, counseling for adopted individuals
[and], biological parents of adopted individuals, AND SIBLINGS OF ADOPTED
INDIVIDUALS.

(G) "SIBLING" MEANS A BROTHER OR SISTER OF THE WHOLE OR HALF BLOOD
WHO:

(1)  IS AT LEAST 21 YEARS OLD; AND

(2)  HAS BEEN ADOPTED.

5-4B-02.

(a) (1) An adopted individual at least 21 years old may apply to the Director
to receive search, contact, and reunion services.

(2) If an adopted individual is at least 21 years old, [a biological parent
of the adopted individual] THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS may apply to the Director
to receive search, contact, and reunion services:

(I)      A BIOLOGICAL PARENT OF THE ADOPTED INDIVIDUAL; AND

(II)     A SIBLING OF THE ADOPTED INDIVIDUAL, IF THE SIBLING IS AT
LEAST 21 YEARS OLD.

5-4B-05.

(a)     An individual who applies for search, contact, and reunion services shall
execute a written agreement with a confidential intermediary concerning the
provision of search, contact, and reunion services.

(b)     (1) The confidential intermediary may charge the individual a
reasonable fee for search, contact, and reunion services.

(2) The overall amount of fees collected may not exceed the costs of
providing the services.

(c)     The confidential intermediary shall promptly:

(1)     file the executed agreement with the Director; and

(2)     attempt to contact [either] the adopted individual [or], the
biological parent, OR THE SIBLING sought by the applicant.

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