Adoption: state court jurisdiction.

Senator Menjivar's adoption jurisdiction legislation expands California courts' authority to oversee adoptions of minors born in the state, while establishing new requirements for documenting parental rights in adoption orders.

The bill adds two circumstances under which California courts may exercise jurisdiction over adoption proceedings for California-born minors: when no legal proceedings are required to make the child available for adoption, or when such proceedings are initiated within California. These provisions supplement existing jurisdictional grounds, which include cases where the minor has lived in California with a parent or guardian for six consecutive months, or where emergency protection is needed due to abandonment or abuse threats. The legislation maintains current restrictions preventing California courts from exercising jurisdiction when adoption or custody proceedings are already pending in another state's courts.

Under the new documentation requirements, adoption orders must list both the adoptive parents and any existing parents who will retain parental rights after the adoption is finalized. The bill specifies that omitting an existing parent's name from the adoption order does not terminate their parental rights or responsibilities. These provisions operate alongside, rather than limiting, existing jurisdiction permitted under the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.