Over the last few weeks, the Office of the Governor has been involved in an education process spanning countless hours of meetings with the entities and individuals most engaged in the debate over House Bill 141. This bill has presented our state with the opportunity to address a subject that presents emotional and complex issues of public policy. One thing is clear to me - there are good people who passionately support this reform and good people who passionately oppose it. I have listened to all points of view. There are legislators for whom I have the greatest respect who voted for and against this bill.
Adoptive parents are both proponents and opponents of the bill.
It is also apparent that the faith community is divided over the impacts of House Bill 141. So, too, are our statewide newspaper editorial boards. The public debate, though difficult, has highlighted the need for reform on this important issue. House Bill 141 begins with the premise that we should bring more certainty to Florida's adoption procedures and laws. This certainty is designed to provide greater finality once the adoption is approved, and to avoid circumstances where future challenges to the adoption disrupt the life of the child.