New adoption law takes effect

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Oklahomans who want to adopt a child will find the process easier thanks to a new law that went into effect on New Year's Day. <br><br>The measure is among a handful of bills

Thursday, January 2nd 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Oklahomans who want to adopt a child will find the process easier thanks to a new law that went into effect on New Year's Day.

The measure is among a handful of bills that became law on January 1st. Most legislation adopted by the 2002 Legislature took effect last year.

The adoption measure doubles the income-tax deduction for expenses related to adoption, increasing it from $10,000 to $20,000 a year.

The bill's author, Representative Susan Winchester of Chickasha, says the legislation means more than just money. Winchester says she wants to make the adoption process easier.

In Oklahoma, a single person or married couple can adopt a child.