Michigan Senate Votes To Ease Adoptions, Change Time Limits

LANSING (AP) - The Michigan Senate has passed three House-passed bills designed to speed up adoptions.

The Senate unanimously voted Thursday to shorten to three months from six months the time needed for finalizing the adoption of a child less than one year old.

Another bill lets parents consent to out-of-court adoptions and gives birth parents five business days to change their minds about terminating custody. A third bill clarifies an unmarried father's adoption rights.

The three House-passed bills now go to Gov. Rick Snyder. The Senate is still considering other adoption legislation in the package.

Republican Rep. Kenneth Kurtz of Coldwater says the package aims to establish a more "efficient" adoption process that "gives a safety net for the mother" and creates better opportunities for Michigan children.