To prohibit placement of children in unlicensed organizations

HB 4048 prohibits unlicensed organizations from placing children for adoption or advertising such services. It makes it a felony to sell or barter children for adoption (with penalties up to $5,000 fines or 14 years imprisonment) and a misdemeanor for unlicensed entities to handle child placements (with fines up to $5,000 or 1 year jail). The bill requires all organizations placing children for adoption to hold a valid license from West Virginia’s Department of Human Services. It specifically exempts birth parents from these restrictions while targeting unlicensed operators. The law aims to prevent illegal adoption practices by establishing clear licensing requirements and criminal penalties.