HB 427 Summary

• Allows adopted adults (18+) and their lineal descendants to obtain uncertified copies of their original birth certificates from the state registrar, effective for adoptions completed after August 28, 2011.

• Requires birth mothers and fathers to be given the opportunity before adoption decree to object to disclosure of the original birth certificate; objections must be filed with the state registrar.

• For adoptions completed before August 28, 2011, adopted adults may request that social services or child-placing agencies attempt to notify birth parents and obtain their consent to release the original birth certificate.

• Establishes a process allowing adopted adults to request contact with birth parents; if birth parents cannot be located or refuse consent, another request may be made no sooner than three years later.

• Upon death of both birth parents, adopted adults or their lineal descendants may obtain a copy of the original birth certificate regardless of prior objections; all issued copies are marked "For informational purposes only - not to be used for establishing identity."