The ADOPT Act of 2023 creates federal criminal penalties for unlawful adoption practices, specifically targeting unlicensed adoption intermediaries and unregulated adoption services. The law prohibits three main activities: providing adoption intermediary services without proper licensing, placing paid adoption advertisements to connect birth parents with adoptive families, and making payments exceeding $500 to birth parents outside of licensed agencies or attorney supervision. The bill applies to conduct involving interstate commerce, such as using the internet, mail, or crossing state lines in connection with these activities. Penalties include fines up to $100,000 and up to five years in prison for individuals, and fines up to $250,000 for organizations per violation. The law takes effect 120 days after enactment and includes exemptions for licensed child-placing agencies, attorneys, and accredited intercountry adoption providers.
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