HI SB2188

Grants adopted individuals age 18 and older unfettered access to their sealed adoption records by eliminating the requirement to obtain birthparent consent or approval.

Removes the existing multi-step process that required courts to notify natural parents and allow them 60 days to file confidentiality affidavits before adoptees could access records.

Eliminates the $600 search agent fee requirement by providing direct court access to adoption records rather than requiring adoptees to locate birthparents independently.

Allows natural parents to request copies of original birth certificates and maintains access to ethnic background and medical information for adoptees regardless of confidentiality status.

Effective date is July 1, 2050.