SCS/SB 964 - This act amends the Putative Father Registry.

Lack of knowledge of a pregnancy does not excuse the failure to timely file with the State Registrar. Further, a man's consent to an adoption is waived by the failure to timely file with the State Registrar unless there was fraud or misrepresentation by the mother. Upon the discovery of fraud or misrepresentation, the man shall have fifteen days to file. Pamphlets and publications regarding the Putative Father Registry must include the specific statements contained in subsection 10 of this section (Section 192.016).

Petitions for adoption shall include the payment of a $50 filing fee, which shall be used to fund the Putative Father Registry (Section 453.020).

The consent form must specify that the birth parent understands the importance of identifying possible fathers and may provide the names. For adoption proceedings, the mother and only the man who is presumed to be the father and has also been served a copy of the petition must provide written consent to the court (Section 453.030).

In cases where the father is unknown, a search of the Missouri Putative Father Registry must be conducted (Section 453.060).

This section provides that any man who has had sexual intercourse with a woman is deemed on notice that a child may be conceived and is entitled to notice of adoption proceedings only as provided in Chapter 453, RSMo (Section 453.061).

The provisions of this act are contained within CCS/SS/SCS/HS/HCS/HB 1453 (2004).
LORIE TOWE