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In a move aimed at making the adoption process faster and more efficient, Oklahoma Governor John Smith signed new legislation into law on Tuesday, October 6, 2025. The changes to Oklahoma family law come after years of advocacy from adoption agencies and families looking to expand their families through adoption.One of the key provisions of the new law is the establishment of a centralized adoption registry, which will expedite the matching process between prospective adoptive parents and children in need of a loving home. The registry will allow families to input their preferences and requirements, streamlining the search for a perfect match.Additionally, the law eliminates certain bureaucratic hurdles that have long delayed adoptions in the state. For example, birth parents will now have a shorter window of time to contest an adoption after the baby is born, allowing for a more expedited process for adoptive parents. This change aims to provide more stability and clarity for families involved in the adoption process.Furthermore, the new legislation includes provisions to make it easier for same-sex couples to adopt in Oklahoma. Previously, same-sex couples faced discrimination and obstacles in the adoption process, but the new law explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, making it more inclusive for all types of families.Governor Smith emphasized the importance of these changes in his remarks at the signing ceremony, stating, "Every child deserves a loving and stable home, and these changes will help make that a reality for more children in Oklahoma. By streamlining the adoption process and eliminating unnecessary hurdles, we are ensuring that families can come together more quickly and easily."Overall, the changes to Oklahoma family law are seen as a positive step forward for the state and its efforts to improve the adoption process and provide more children with forever families. Families and adoption agencies alike are optimistic about the impact these changes will have on the lives of children in need of a loving home.