We are proud to share that Assembly Bill 227 (AB 227)—a complete and comprehensive rewrite of Nevada’s Adoption Chapter—has officially been signed into law by the Governor. This milestone represents a transformational step forward for adoptive families, legal practitioners, and courts across the state. It also reflects years of committed effort to modernize and clarify our laws to better serve Nevada’s families.
Why a Rewrite Was Necessary
Nevada’s adoption statutes had become outdated, inconsistent, and difficult to navigate. Over time, piecemeal legislative changes had led to a patchwork of provisions that often left gaps or ambiguities, especially in cases involving assisted reproduction, stepparent adoptions, or adoptions following surrogacy.
The goal of AB 227 was ambitious: to fully restructure and update the entire chapter to provide clarity, inclusivity, and legal certainty. This was not just a tweak or amendment—it was a ground-up rewrite.
Key Changes in AB 227
✅Introduction of Confirmatory Adoption Language
For the first time, Nevada law now includes explicit provisions for confirmatory adoptions, offering a straightforward legal pathway for intended parents who are already recognized on a child’s birth certificate—such as in surrogacy or assisted reproduction arrangements—to affirm their legal parentage in court. This offers families added legal security and aligns with the realities of modern family formation.
✅Clear Re-Adoption Procedures
AB 227 establishes clear statutory guidance for re-adoption (also known as readoption), which is often required for children adopted abroad or in another jurisdiction. This change ensures that Nevada courts can effectively and uniformly handle re-adoption petitions, providing families with peace of mind and legal recognition within the state.
✅Streamlined and Logical Organization
The entire adoption chapter has been restructured and reorganized for clarity and usability. Legal practitioners will find the revised chapter easier to interpret and apply, while families will benefit from a more transparent process. This update also reduces redundancy and better aligns procedural elements with Nevada’s current family court practices.
✅Modernized and Inclusive Terminology
The new statute incorporates gender-neutral and inclusive language to reflect diverse family structures and the reality of today’s parenting dynamics. It is a law that serves all families, regardless of marital status, gender identity, or biological connection.
A Community Effort
This historic achievement was years in the making. For over three years, Eric Stovall and I collaborated on every section of this bill, joined in the final year by the incredible Shelly Cooley. The work was painstaking, the sessions were intense, and at times we were juggling parallel legislative battles in other states, including California. But we persevered.
We are deeply grateful to every Nevada Fellow of the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA) who contributed by reviewing drafts, suggesting improvements, and lending your legal insight. Your time and expertise were invaluable.
Looking Ahead
With AB 227 now law, Nevada is positioned as a leader in adoption reform, offering a model of clarity, fairness, and family-centered policy. This bill reinforces our commitment to ensuring that every child and every parent in Nevada has access to a secure, consistent, and affirming legal framework.
The passage of AB 227 is not just a legal victory—it’s a victory for families.