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- All information is taken from official state legislative pages unless otherwise indicated. We have also made links for each bill to LegSan, an easy way to check on bills. For more information on these bills, go to the appropriate links.For information on bills from last year and those held over from 2018 go to BN’s 2018 Legislative Page. Prior years are also available: 2017 – 2016 – 2015 – 2014Go to individual State Pages for more details on state actions.
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Records Access
Alabama
Bastard Nation Alabama State Page
Summary
- Nominal language change in unrestricted access law; nothing changes access
- Addresses alleged inaccuracies in a certificate of foreign birth related to intercountry adoptees, allowing adoptive parents to petition a court to correct inaccurate information.
Lead Sponsor(s): Sen. Gerald H Allen
Submitting Group
Support
Oppose
Bill History and Actions- January 15, 2019: Prefiled; referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
- March 5, 2019: 1st reading in Senate Judiciary Committee
- April 18, 2019: Amendmen offered
Links
Arizona
Bastard Nation Arizona State Page
NOTE: This is a confusing bill. It failed to make it out of committee to meet the crossover deadline and is considered dead, though a strike all amendment to another active bill may revive it in the Senate, where the other bill is currently sitting. A hearing in the Senate Transportation and Public Hearing Committee was held on March 20 and it appears the bill was struck, new language has been or will replace the original, and it will most likely restrict access.
Summary
- Adoptees, born in Arizona, can access OBC at the age of 19
- OBC will indicate that it is not a certified copy and cannot be used for identification purposes
- genuine CPF with medical history form
Lead Sponsor(s): Rep Frank Carroll
Submitting Group:
Support:
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions:- Filed February 11, 2019
- February 13, 2019: Referred to House Health and Human Services Committee and House Rules Committee; 1st reading
- February 14, 2019: 2nd reading
- Marh 20, 2019: probably dead
Connecticut
Bastard Nation Connecticut State Page
Proposed SB343 State Legislative Page
LegScan
Summary
- Amends current access law to allow individuals adopted prior to October 1, 1983, and their adult children or grandchildren, to obtain an uncertified copy of an original certificate of birth.
- Those adopted after that date have unrestricted access
Lead Sponsor(s) Sen George S Logan
Submitting Group: Access Connecticut Adoptee Rights (not affiliated with Bastard Nation)
Support: Access Connecticut Adoptee Rights,
Oppose
Bill History and Actions- January 23, 2019: Introduced; referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
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Proposed SB530 Legislative Page
Summary
- Permit all adopted individuals and such individuals’ children and grandchildren, to obtain uncertified copies of such individuals’ OBC
Lead Sponsor(s): Sen Steve Cassano
Submitting Group:
Support: Access Connecticut Adoptee Rights
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions
- January 24, 2019: Introduced; referred to Joint Committee on Public Health
Links
######
Summary
- Will allow the release of non-certified OBC to adoptees 18 and over whose adoptions were finalized on or after October 1, 1983, or if deceased, to their child or grandchild without restriction
- OBC will marked with notation that it has been superseded by the amended/replacement birth certificate
- contains genuine CPF and health form
Lead Sponsor(s)
Submitting Group: Planning and Development Committee
Support: Access Connecticut Adoptee Rights, Bastard Nation. Adoptee Rights Law Center, ALMA Society. Connecticut NOW, American Adoption Congress, Connecticut State Medical Association, AFFC Coalition.,National Association of Social Workers Connecticut Chapter, Connecticut Conference United Church of Christ, Adoption from the Heart, National Center for Adoption Permanency, Village for Family and Children, Connecticut Professional Genealogists Council, Concerned United Birthparents (CUB)
- Complete list of submitted testimony
- Searchable database of 300+ testimonies
- National Organization or Women-CT testimony in support (NOW in several states has opposed)
Oppose: Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Hartford
Bill History and Actions
- February 28, 2019: referred to Joint Committee on Planning and Development
- March 8. 2019: Public hearing
- March 15, 2019: Public hearing
- VIDEO: hearing of Joint Committee on Planning and Development (314-3:47; 5:06-5:11; 5:23-:29), March 15, 2019
- March 25, 2019: Passed favorably out of Joint Committee
- March 26, 2019: Filed with Legislative Commissioners’ Office
- April 5, 2019: Referred to Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis 04/09/19 5:00 PM
- April 17, 2019: Sent to Senate floor; pulled and referred Judiciary
- April 22, 2019: Passed favorable out of Judiciary
- May 28, 2019: Senate Floor: Somers Amendment introduced to require father’s name on OBC for release (included retroactive)
- May 29, 2019: Amendment rejected; bill, as written, passed
- May 31, 2019 : Placed on House Calendar
- June 5, 2019: Floor debate; passed temporarily” but bill was not revisited. Died at the end of session
Links
- Adoptees seek Connecticut law change; want birth records, Hartford Courant, March 15, 2019
- The Presence of a Man, Greg Luce, Adoptee RIghts Law Center, May 29, 2019
- Connecticut Amendment Goes Down in Flames: Legitimate bastard have a right to their OBCs; illegitimate bastards don’t, Bastard Nation, May 30, 2019
- Connecticut Has the Chance to Advance Women’s Rights—They Shouldn’t Let It Pass, Ms Magazine, May 31, 2019
- Repeal this archaic law sealing birth records, Connecticut Mirror, June 1, 2019
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Bill to allow adoptees full access to birth records expires, Middletown Press, June 5, 2019
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Adoptee access to birth certificate bill dies, Hartford Journal-Inquirer, June 6, 2019
Florida
Summary
- Registry bill
- Adoptees, or descendants must apply for adoption registry services through the Florida Adoption Reunion Registry (FARR) and connect with at least one of the adoptee’s birthparents via registration before applying to the department for an OBC document
- Adoptee, or descendant must attach written proof to the application that a connection with a birthparent was made through FARR
- Adoptees or descendants who qualify can receive copy of abbreviated summary of noncertified OBC that consists the full names and ages of the birth parents, the date when the child was born, the county where the child was born and the full name given to the child at birth
- Adoptive parent consent not required
Lead Sponsor(s) Rep. Richard Stark
Submitting Group:
Support: Florida Adoption Council, (original). Florida Adoption Council Family Law Section Florida Bar, Florida NOW (amended)
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center (original and amended)
Bill History and Actions:
- January 30, 2019: filed
- February 6, 2019: referred to Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee; referred to Health Quality Committee
- March 5, 2019: 1st reading in Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee
- March 12, 2019: Public hearing in Health Care Quality Subcommittee; passed with amendment. Video of hearing (25:30-39:50)
- March 13, 2019: Reported out of Health Quality Subcommittee;
- March 14, 2019: sent to Health and Human Services Committee
- March 21, 2019: 2nd reading, Public hearing in Health and Human Services Committee. VIDEO of hearing
- April 11, 2019: Passed House (amended bill changes nothing in current law)
- April 18, 2019: Sent to Senate. Referred to Senate Health Policy and Rules Committees
- April: Received in Health Policy Committee
- May 3, 2019: Dead. Died in Health Policy Committee
Links
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- Florida Bill: Reunion required to get your OBC by Greg Luce, Adoptee Rights Law Center, January 31, 2019
- Open Letter to Representative Richard Stark by Greg Luce Adoptee Rights Law Center, March 3, 2019
- Adoptee Rights Law Center/Bastard Nation Joint Action Alert: Florida HB597–Vote No, March 9, 2019
- Bastard Nation Testimony Opposed to HB597, March 11, 2019
- Reworked Florida bill does absolutely nothing by Greg Luce, Adoptee Rights Law Center
- Bill would make it easier for adoptees to get original birth certificates, WCTV-Tallahassee, March 13, 2019
- Bastard Nation letter to House Health and Human Services Committee, Vote No on HB597 March 21, 2019
######
Summary
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- Similar to HB832 (see above)
- does not require adoptee or descendant to use registry in order to apply
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Lead Sponsor(s) Sen Kevin J Rader
Submitting Group
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation. Adoptee Rights Law Center
Bill History and Actions
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- February 7, 2019: filed
- February 15, 2019: Referred to Health Policy; Judiciary and Rules Committees
- April 10, 2019: Senate Judiciary Committee;
- May 3, 2019: Dead. Died in Senate Judicuary Committee
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Links
Illinois
Bastard Nation Illinois State Page
Summary
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- Supports, as a civil right, automatic citizenship to all qualifying children adopted by a U.S. citizen parent, regardless of the date on which the adoption was finalized. Condemns the deportation of individuals who were adopted into American homes and should have every expectation that their citizenship matches that of their adoptive parents. Welcomes legislation that will provide citizenship for all adult adoptees whose adoptive parents did not complete the naturalization process while they were children.
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Lead Sponsor(s): Rep Theresa Mah
Submitting Group
Support:
Oppose
Bill History and Actions
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- January 31, 2019: Filed
- February 5, 2019: Referred to House Rules Committee
- February 13, 2019: Referred to House Adoption and Child Welfare Committee
- February 19, 2019: Hearing in House Adoption an Child Welfare Committee; recommend to adopt
- February 20, 2019: Placed on House Calendar Order of Resolutions
- March 13, 2019: Resolution adopted; Sent to Senate; referred to Senate Assignments Committee
- March 19, 2019: Resolution adopted by Senate
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Links
- Bastard Nation Testimony on HJR24–Adoptee Citizenship, February 19, 2019
Indiana
Bastard Nation Indiana State Page
Summary
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- SENATE BILL 197 “Copies of Identifying Adoption Information: Those with “Identifying Information” are to hand it over to the adoptee when requested and presented with the Registry “Permission Slip”.
- Indiana trying to clean up some of its mess. Adoptees aren’t receiving info from agencies, etc. Problem is they can’t release what they don’t have.
- BN analysis and notes by Lisa Zatonsky, January 8, 2019, March 18, 2019
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Lead sponsor(s): Sen. Randy Head
Submitting group:
Support:
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions;
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- January 3. 2019: 1st reading; referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
- January 10, 2019: Judiciary report: Do Pass
- January 14, 2019: 2nd reading; ordered engrossed
- January 22, 2019: 3rd reading. passed Senate unanimously
- January 25, 2019: Referred to House
- February 26, 2019: 1st reading; referred to House Judiciary Committee
- March 11, 2019: Committee Report: Do Pass; Adopted
- March 14, 2019: 2nd reading. engrossed; amendment added (consent for adoption by parents convinced of certain crimes not required)
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- March 18, 2019: 3rd reading; passed House unanimously
- March 19, 2019: Returned to Senate with amendments
- April 15, 2019: Senate dissented from House amendments’ Motion to dissent filed
Links
Iowa
Bastard Nation Iowa State Page
NOTE ON IOWA: The Iowa bill situation is rather confusing, A bad bill turned good, bill numbers changed, quick turn-around, etc. Here is a brief summary courtesy of the Adoptee Rights Law Center:
HF528/SF515. HF528 is a rare clean bill that replaced a dirty bill. SF515 is the identical companion bill. Each are clean bills with genuine contact preference forms. HF528 has now made it out of both House committees and is headed for the House floor calendar. HF515 has been voted out of Judiciary and is now on the Senate calendar, though not yet listed on the daily “debate eligible” calendar.
Update March 21, 2019: HF528 has been re-numbered to HF746
Update: SF515 is now SF621
Notes on 2 companion dirty bills that were withdrawn and replaced by 2 companion clean bills
Summary:
- The successor to HF53 and HF528 that creates an unrestricted bill. (disposition of HF53 unclear}.
- Adoptees 18 and older, or “entitled person” if the adoptee is 18 or older.can access to the Original Birth Certificate without restriction (“entitled” defined as “a person related to the adult adopted person within the second degree of consanguinity.”)
- Those born prior to 1970 can apply and get the OBC beginning August 1, 2019. Those born after 1969 must wait until July 1, 2020
- Contains genuine Contact Preference Form
Lead Sponsor(s): Committee of the State Government
Submitting Group: Committee of the State Government
Support: Iowa Adoptee and Family Coalition, Bastard Nation, Family Leader Foundation, Families United Action Network
Oppose
History and Actions
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- February 26, 2019:: Introduced; referred to House Ways and Means Committee
- March 4, 2019: Subcommittee hearing
- March 13, 2019: Subcommittee hearing
- March 14, 2019: Subcommittee recommends passage
- March 19, 2019: Committee recommends passage
- March 21, 2019: Re-calendared on House Ways and Means Committee
- April 10, 2019: Amended with minor language changes and moves effective date to 1/20 in order to implement state ad campaign about the CPF(CPF remains genuine
- April 11, 2019: Debate and vote was scheduled for House floor, but bill was pulled off after Rep Jones announced she planned another amendment which would permit Bparent(s) to petition court to keep OBC sealed
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- Links
- Is this the year for Iowa? by Greg Luce, Adoptee Rights Law Center, March 6, 2019
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- April 15, 2018: Amened to include redaction. Passed out of committee. Sent to Senate floor
- April 23, 2019: Passes Senate. Sent to House
- April 27, 2019: Dead. No vote before the close of session.
- Links
- April 22, 2019: Redaction amendment added “Merged bill” by Adoptee Rights Law Center showing changesLinks
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- Action Alert: Iowa SF 621. Say No! Urgent!–with update. Amendments have been filed. April 22, 2019
- American Adoption Congress Statement in Opposition to SSF621, April 22, 2019
- Bastard Nation Letter to Iowa Senate: Please Vote No on Redactions/Restrictions on SF621, April 22, 2019
- Action Alert: Iowa SF621: Say No to Redactions. Kill the Bill. Urgent, April 24, 2019
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Adoptee rights legislation will have to wait another year before passage, Iowa State Daily, April 25, 2019
- Don’t Let Yourself by Redacted. Tell AdoptionLand that Redactions are not Acceptable, Bastard Nation, April 26, 2019
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Summary
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- Provides, among other provisions, for the release of court adoption records upon filing an affidavit from an adult adoptee requesting the records.
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Lead Sponsor(s): Anderson, Smith, M., Mascher, Kurth, Gaskill, Mcconkey, Kurtz, Ourth, Staed, Kacena and Shipley
Submitting Group:
Support: Adoptee Rights Law Center
Oppose
Bill History and Actions
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- January 28, 2019: filed; referred to State Government Committee
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Links
Maine
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Summary
- Provides for the creation of an integrated document to replace the birth certificate that would include names of birth and adoptive parents.
- Would serve as mandatory ID document for all adoptees born after effective date
Lead sponsor(s): Sen. Dana Dow, Sen. Troy Jackson, Sen Eloise Vitelli
Submitting group: Truth in Adoption Maine
Support: Truth in Adoption Maine
- Oppose: Adoptee Rights Law Center, Bastard Nation, GLAD, Acadia Adoption, Adoption Partners Maine
Bill History and Action
- May 7, 2019: Referred to House Judiciary Committee,
- May 13, 2019: Public hearing in House Judiciary
- May 12, , 2019 Voted out of committee: “ought not pass”
- June 3, 2019: Dead
- Links
- List of testimonies, May 13, 2019
- Maine LD1688: Bastard Nation’s Testimony to House Judiciary Committee: Please vote Do Not Pass! May 13, 2019
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Massachusetts
Bastard Nation Massachusetts State Page
Summary
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- Companion to SD1123 (see below)
- Current Massachusetts law allows adoptees to access their original birth certificates without condition at age 18 if they were adopted on or before July 17, 1974, or on or after January 1, 2008.
- This bill will unseal records for those adopted between July 18, 1974 and December 31, 2008
- See BN Leg pages for 2016 and 2018 for information on previous attempts to pass this identical proposal. BN has supported all of these bills.
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Lead Sponsor(s): Rep. Sean Garballey, Rep. David Cullinane
Submitting Group: OBC for MA–Massachusetts Access, Facebook (not affiliated with Bastard Nation)
Support
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- Bastard Nation, OBC for MA–Massachusetts Access, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Children’s League of Massachusetts (CLM)
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Oppose
Bill History and Actions:
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- January 17, 2019: Filed
- January 22, 2019: Senate concurred; referred to House Public Health Committee
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Links
######
Summary: Mandates birthparents to submit medical history up to 2 generations to state before relinquishment is completed. Adoptees can receive history at age 18.
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- Companion to HD1801 (see above)
- Current Massachusetts law allows adoptees to access their original birth certificates without condition at age 18 if they were adopted on or before July 17, 1974, or on or after January 1, 2008.
- This bill will unseal records for those adopted between July 18, 1974 and December 31, 2008
- See BN Leg pages for 2016 and 2018 for information on previous attempts to pass this identical proposal. BN has supported all of these bills.
- ###
- 3468 Leg Page
- LegScan
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- Summary: Mandates birthparents to submit health/medical history up to 2 generations to the state before a relinquishment is completed.
- Lead Sponsor: Rep. RoseLee Vincent
- Submitting Group: none
- Support:
- Oppose: Bastard Nation
- Bill History and Actions:
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- Filed; referred to House Judiciary Committee; Senate concurred
- 3/21/2019: Sischared to Children’s, Families, and Persons with Disabilities Committee
- 3/23/2019: Senate concurred
- 9/10/2019: Hearing scheduled no results posted
Minnesota
Summary: HF260 and SF2606 are the first clean bills ever filed in Minnesota and they constitute a necessary step toward dismantling a complex system that has existed in Minnesota since 1977, A detailed memo explaining each of the sections in the Senate bill is here. The Minnesota legislature adjourned its regular session on May 20, 2019, though the bills are expected to carry over to the 2020 session.
LegScan
- Lead Sponsor(s) Rep: Dave Baker
- Submitting Group;
- Support: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center
- OpposeBill History and Actions
- May 18, 2019: Introduced; and Public Saftey , Finance, and Policy1st reading’ referred to Judiciary
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Lead Sponsor(s) Sen.Jim Carlson
Submitting Group
Support: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center
Oppose
Bill History and Actions
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- March 20, 2019: Introduced. 1st reading; referred to Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Finance and Policy
- Held over for 2020 session
- Links
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Mississippi
Bastard Nation Mississippi Page
Summary
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- Unrestricted certified copy of OBC for all adoptees 21 years after issuance of amended birth certificate
- Document will be marked “canceled and revised”
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Lead Sponsor(s): Sen Angela Burks Hill
Submitting group:
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation
Bill History and Actions
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- January 8, 2019: filed; referred to Judiciary Committee Div. A
- February 5, 2019: died in committee
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Links
Nevada
Bastard Nation Nevada Page
Summary
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- Release of a noncertified copy of document “similar to OBC” for adoptees at least 21 years of age whose birthparents’ names appear on the OBC and are deceased
- Limits information on “similar OBC document to DOB, County of birth, names, and ages of birthparents
- Does not specify how adoptees provide or show proof of death of listed birthparents
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Lead Sponsor(s): Assb. Alexis Hansen, Assb. Al Kramer
Submitting Group:
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center
Bill History and Actions
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- March 20, 2919: Introduced; 1st reading; referred to House Committee on Public Health
- April 13, 2019: Dead. Failed to meet deadlines.
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Links
New York
Bastard Nation New York State Page
Summary
Lead Sponsor(s)
Submitting Group
Support
Oppose
Bill History and Actions
Links
(similar, with small language differences, to S2492/Biaggi. See below)
Summary
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- (similar, with small language differences, to S2492/Biaggi. See below)
- Corrupt bill that in theory allows for unrestricted release of OBC to all New York adoptees at age 18, but…
- Creates an amended OBC that includes names of adoptive parents and date of adoption
- Requires, “circumstances of adoption” to be included on OBC (no definition)
- Includes language: “Certified copy of a Sealed Record – Not valid for identification with the adoption facts recited.”
- Does not address access of OBC managed by specific local governments, (including NYC Department of Health)
- No application procedure outlined; possibly retains access through court system
- Does not authorize Department of Health to release OBC or to amend vital records law to remove existing language that specifically seals or makes OBC available
- Possibly retains review for release
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Lead Sponsor(s): Rep Michael Benedetto
Submitting Group: New York State Adoptee Equality
Support: New York State Adoptee Equality
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions
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- January 25, 2019: Introduced; referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
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Links
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- New York Adoptee Rights Coalition Analysis, Breaking down the bad (and good) , January 26, 2019
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######
LegScan
Summary
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- Establishes the right of adoptees to receive a certified copy of their birth certificate upon reaching the age of 18.
- Clean, unrestricted OBC access bill with no Contact Preference Form
- For a nominal fee, the long form OBC will be released to adoptees 18 years of age and older along with any medical history forms if available
- If OBC is not available after good faith attempt to provide it, a court of competent jurisdiction or an adoption agency, upon specific request will release information that would have appeared on OBC,
- Appears identical to 2016 bill S4845b
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Lead sponsor(s): Sen. Andrew J Lanza
Submitting group: none
Support:
Oppose
Bill History and Actions
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- January 22, 2019: Introduced; referred to Senate Health Committee
- April 13, 2019: Dead. DId not meet deadlines
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Links
######
Summary:
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- Similar, with small language differences, to A2691/Benadetto. (See above)
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Lead Sponsor(s): Sen Allesandra Biaggi
Submitting Group: New York State Adoptee Equality
Support: New York State Adoptee Equality
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions
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- January 25, 2019: Introduced, Referred to Senate Family and Children’s Committee
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Links
######
Summary:
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- Companion bill to Sen Montgomery bill (see below)
- Restores the right of an adult adoptee to request and obtain a certified copy of the “original long form line by line, vault copy birth certificate,” otherwise known as the OBC, with no restrictions other than the adoptee is at least 18 years of age at the time of the request;
- If the adoptee is deceased, allows direct line descendants or a lawful representative of the adoptee to request and obtain the OBC;
- Addresses issues related to people born outside of New York but whose adoptions were finalized by a New York state court. If a copy of the OBC from the other jurisdiction is not available from a New York registrar, then information that would have appeared on the OBC must be provided by the adoption agency;
- Addresses original birth certificates on file with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, an extremely important provision because New York City currently possesses many pre-adoption birth certificates;
- Addresses certain OBCs that may also be held by registrars in Albany, Buffalo, and Yonkers;
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Lead Sponsor(s): Rep David Weprin (and 77 others right out the gate!)
Submitting Group: New York Adoptee Rights Coalition
Support : New York Adoptee Rights Coalition, (Adoptive and Foster Family Coalition of New York, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Bastard Nation Reclaim the Records), American Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys, American Adoption Congress, AMT-Children of Hope Foundation, National Center for Adoption and Permanency Permanency North American Council on Adoptable Children, Philomena Project, Unsealed Initiative Adoptee Rights
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions
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- February 12, 2019: Filed; referred to House Health Committee
- April 30, 2019: Public hearing; passed out, referred to House Codes
- June 19, 2019: Passes House Codes, Sent to House Ways & Mean and Rules Committees
- June 20, 2019: Bypassed House Ways & Means Committee; Sent ato House Rules: passes; sent to House Floor. Passes
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Links:
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- FOR MORE NEWS ON MONTGOMERY/WEPRIN GO WTO NEW YORK STATE PAGE
- Pam Hunter’s childhood inspires her to reform adoption, Syracuse.com, March 19, 2019
- New bill would allow adopted individuals to directly obtain birth certificates, WROC-TV, Rochester, NY, March 8, 2019
- New York Adoptees seek access to original birth certificates
- Assemblyman out to overturn 84-year old New York law that keeps adopted children’s birthparents concealed, WLNY-TV, NYC, March 14, 2018
- New York Press Conference, April 24, 2019
- New Yorkers adopted as children pushing for rights to certified birth certificates, WSYR-TV, Syracuse, April 30, 3019
- New York Press Conference, April 30, 2019
- News York adoptees say access to birth certificates is a right, WXXI-TV, Rochester, May 1, 2019
- Good news from New York, Bastard Nation, May 1, 2019
- Adoptee Advocates Fighting for Birth Certificates, Spectrum News, Albany, May 2, 2019
- Montgomery and Adoptee Advocates Push for Vote on Adoptee Rights Bill, King County Politics, Brooklyn, May 2, 2019\
- Speaker Heastie: Bring AB5494 to the Codes Committee agenda as soon as possible, Bastard Nation, May 28, 2019
- Action Alert: New York A5494: Speaker Heastie: Let’s Move A5494 Forward, May 28, 2019
- Adoption transparency measure passes hurdle in Senate,Albany Times-Union June 3, 2019
- NYARC Press Release: Senate Votes Overwhelmingly to Pass S3419, June 3, 2019
- Bastard Nation Press Release: New York History Made! S3419/A5494 passes Senate 53-6! On to the Assembly!, June 3, 2019
- New York adoptees deserve equality, AM New York, June 4, 2019
- NY Senate passes historic bill for adoptee rights, Hudson Valley News, June 4, 2019
- Opinion:New York adoptees deserve equality. AM New York, June 4, 2019
- Adoptees Allowed Birth Certificate At 18 Under Historic Bill Passed By State Senate, White Plains Daily Voice, June 5, 2019
- NY Senate approves unsealing birth certificates of adopted people, New 12 Long Island, June 7, 2019
- We Won! Weprin/Montgomery Passes New York House. On to Cuomo! Bastard Nation, June 20, 2019
- NY lawmakers pass adoption bill championed by Pam Hunter, ending decades of secrecy, Syracuse,com, June 21, 2019
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Summary
- Companion bill to Rep. David Weprin’s (see above)
- Lead Sponsor(s): Sen. Velmanette Montgomery
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- Submitting Group: New York Adoptee Rights CoalitionSupport: New York Adoptee Rights Coalition, (Adoptive and Foster Family Coalition of New York, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Bastard Nation Reclaim the Records), American Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys, American Adoption Congress, AMT-Children of Hope Foundation,Concerned United Birthparents (CUB), Family Preservation 365, National Center for Adoption and Permanency Permanency North American Council on Adoptable Children, Philomena Project, Saving Our Sisters (SOS) Unsealed Initiative Adoptee RightsOppose:Bill History and Actions:
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- February 6, 2019: Filed; referred to Senate Investigations and Operation
- June 3, 2019: Passed 53-6 in Senate
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Links
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- This is your New York adoptee rights bill, New York Adoptee Rights Coalition February 6, 2019
- Birth/First Parents line up behind Weprin/-Montgomery bill, New York Adoptee Rights Coalition, March 14, 2019
- New York S3419 Scheduled for Senate Health Committee, Bastard Nation, May 10, 2019
- New York: Action Alert. S3419 Senate Health Committee. Vote Do Pass, May 10, 2019
- New York S3419: Bastard Nation’s letter to the Senate Health Committee, Please vote Do Pass!, May 10, 2019
- New York S3419 makes history! Passes out of Senate Health Committee, May 14, 2019
- Acton Alert New York Senate: Vote Do Pass S3419. No restrictions, May 22, 2019
- NYARC Press Release: Senate Votes Overwhelmingly to Pass S3419, June 3, 2019
- Bastard Nation Press Release: New York History Made! S3419/A5494 passes Senate 53-6! On to the Assembly!, June 3, 2018
- Adoption transparency measure passes hurdle in Senate,Albany Times-Union June 3, 2019
- NY Senate passes historic bill for adoptee rights, Hudson Valley News, June 4, 2019
- Opinion: New York adoptees deserve equality. AM New York, June 4, 2019
- Adoptees Allowed Birth Certificate At 18 Under Historic Bill Passed By State Senate, White Plains Daily Voice, June 5, 2019
- NY Senate approves unsealing birth certificates of adopted people, New 12 Long Island, June 7, 2019
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General Links
The nutso world of New York adoptee rights, (2019 revision), Adoptee Rights Law Center, January 2, 2019
New York ball of confusion: Setting things straight, Daily Bastardette, February 6, 2019
The Essential FAQ about the New York bills, Adoptee Rights. Law Center, February 26, 2019
For the entire House Floor debate and vote to this link.
Member comments are linkable from that video.
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Oregon
Bastard Nation Oregon State Page
Summary
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- If an original record of live birth of a person was sealed under ORS 432.245
and was later opened under ORS 432.250, and the paternity or parentage of the person is
determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or by an administrative determination of
paternity or parentage, the Center for Health Statistics shall, at the request of the person,
enter the name of each parent on the original record of live birth
- If an original record of live birth of a person was sealed under ORS 432.245
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Lead Sponsor(s): Rep. Mike Nearman
Submitting Group: Constituent
Support:
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions:
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- January 30, 2019: Filed; 1st readin’ referred to Speaker’s Desk
- February 4, 2019: referred to House Judiciary Committee
- March 25, 2019: Public hearing, House Judiciary Committee
- June 30, 2019: Dead. Sine Die. Session ended.
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Links
Texas
Summary
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- Restores the right of all Texas-born adoptees, at age 18, to obtain noncertified copies of their own original birth certificates upon request;
- If the adoptee is deceased, allows the adoptee’s descendant, adult sibling, surviving spouse, or adoptive parent to request and obtain the adoptee’s original birth certificate;
- Contains genuine contact preference form (CPF)
- Allows birth parents to file a supplemental medical history form that would provide additional information to the adoptee;
- Requires adoption agencies to inform birth parents of the provisions of the new law and the availability of the contact preference form;
- Goes into effect on September 1, 2019, though some provisions related to the agency provision of the CPF are delayed until January 1, 2020.
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Lead Sponsor(s): Rep. Gina Calanni
Submitting Group:
Support: Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition (Equality for Adoptees. Gladney Adoptees for Rights and Equality. Adoptee Rights Law Center, Bastard Nation, Reclaim the Records), TxCare, Texas STAR, American Adoption Congress, Concerned United Birthparents (CUB)
Oppose: Texas Alliance for Life
Bill History and Actions
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- February 28, 2019: Filed
- March 11, 2019: 1st reading; Referred to House Public Health Committee
- April 10, 2019: Hearing in House Health Committee; bill left pending
- April 15, 2019: Failed to report favorable out of committee
- May 6, 2919: Reconsidered;re-heard in House Health Committee. passed out favorable to Hosue floor
- May 9, 2019: Dead. Was not heard before close of session
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Links
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- Commentary: It’s our right: Why Texas should legislate access to birth certificates by Pamela Crawford, Austin Statesman, February 18, 2019
- Rep. Calanni Files a Clean Bill in the House, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, February 28, 2018
- TxARC HB2725 Non-Action Action Alert, March 15, 2019B
- TxARC/Bastard Nation HB2725 Action Alert.April 7, 2019
- Bastard Nation Testimony in Support of HB2725. April 10, 2019
- Texas HB2725 Is Dead. It’s Time to Unite for Next Time, TxArc, April 17, 2019
- American Adoption Congress Letter to Rep Calanni on HB2725, April 17, 2019
- Towing the Bottom Line, by Greg Luce, Adoptee Rights Law Center, April 18, 2019
- Recommended Reading: Toeing the Bottom Line (TX2725), Bastard Nation, April 18. 2019
- Twinkle, Twinkle Little STAR, Bastard Nation, April 20, 2019 (cross-posted to Daily Bastardette)
- STAR: Which Side Are You On?, Daily Bastardette, April 26, 2019
- Action Alert: Texas HB2725. Contact Public Health Committee Members: No to Inequality, April 27, 2019
- Bastard Nation Letter to Texas House. Restore right of OBCs to adoptees, Please vote Do Pass AS WRITTEN, May 7, 2019
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Texas has Defied Expectations. Or has it? Adoptee Rights Law Center, May 8. 2019
TXARC Statement and Action Alert: HB2725, May 6, 2019
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West Virginia
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Bastard Nation West Virginia Page
Summary
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- Companion bill to SB300 (see below)
- Adoptees at least 18 years of age, who have graduated from high school, completed GED, or legally withdrawn from secondary schooling or, if the adoptee is deceased, the adoptee’s descendants, may apply to the Department of Health and Human Resources for the adoptee’s noncertified OBC.
- Contains corrupt CPF that enables state to redact first parent ID on request of first parent
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Lead Sponsor(s): Sen Issac Sponaugle Rep Tim Miley
Submitting Group:
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation
Bill History and Actions
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- January 22. 2019: Filed; referred to House Health and Human Resources Committee
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Links
LegScan (can’t find)
Summary
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- Companion bill to H2313 (see above)
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Lead Sponsor: Sen. Bill Hamilton
Submitting Group:
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation
Bill History and Actions
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- January 14, 2019: Filed; referred to Senate Health and Human Services Committee
- February 19, 2019: Passed with amendments adding definitions; Sent to Senate Judiciary Committee
- February 26, 2019: reported dead but not verified
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Links
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- Bastard Nation Action Alert: West Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee. SB300 OBC access. Restricts and discriminates. Vote No or Amend to cover all, not some, February 22, 2019
- West Virginia SB300 restricted OBC access: Bastardette’s personal letter to Senate Judiciary–please vote NO!, Daily Bastardette, February 21, 2019
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Wisconson
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- AB579 Legislative Page
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Summary: Rthe state registrar to issue, if available, an unredacted copy of a report of adoption or similar form developed by the Department of Health Services relating to adoption upon request if the requester is the subject of the report of adoption and at least 21 Red Titt, et alyears old, and if 1) the requester’s birth parent’s rights have been terminated in this state; 2) the requester was adopted in this state with the consent of his or her birth parent or parents before February 1, 1982; or 3) the
requester was born to a surrogate mother and a court determined parental rights SB521 (see below). The bill does not authorize the release of the original birth certificateLead Sponsor(s): Rep Paul Tittil ,et al
Submitting Group:
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation
Bill History and Actions:
October 25, 2019: Introduced; 1st reading. Referred to House Committee on Family Law
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SB531 Legislative Page
Held Over from 2019
LegCom
Summary: See above
Lead Sponsor:(s): Sen. Andre Jacque,Sen. Lena C Taylor
Bill History and Actions:
October 25, 2019: Introducer, 1st reading. Referred ti Senate Committee on Universities, Technical Colleges, Children and Families, and Important Actions
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SAFE HAVEN
Colorado
Bastard Nation Colorado State Page
Summary:
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- Information to students regarding safe haven law: If a school district, charter school, institute charter school, or board of cooperative services (school) chooses to provide a planned curriculum that includes comprehensive human sexuality education, the school curriculum must include information relating to state laws that provide for the safe abandonment of newborn children to specific persons, including firefighters and clinic or hospital staff, within 72 hours of birth.
- Several states, including California and Illinois, already include how-to-abandon-your-baby instructions in their school curriculums.
- BN Analysis: TBA
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Lead Sponsor: Sen. Jim Smallwood
Submitting Group: none (as per email from Sen Smallwood )
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation
Bill History and Actions
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- January 4, 2019: Introduced; assigned to State Veterans and Military Affairs
- January 16, 2019: Lay-over amended
- January 23, 2019: Amended bill referred to Senate Committee of the Whole
- January 31, 2019: 3rd reading; passed
- February 4, 2019: Introduced in House
- February 26, 2019: Hearing in House Committee on Health & Insurance; passed; sent to House Committee of the Whole
- March 5, 2019: 2nd reading; Passed (no amendments)
- March 15, 2019: Final Act
- Signed into law
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Links
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- Bill to require safe haven law education hits snag in committee. CBS-Denver, January 16, 2019
- Editorial: Colorado Democrat jeopardizes bill to save babies, Colorado Springs Gazette, January 18. 2019
- Safe Haven bill signed into law: “really helps save children’s lives. CBS4, Denver March 25, 2019
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Maryland
Bastard Nation Maryland State Page
Summary
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- Requires a local department of social services that files a petition alleging that a safe haven newborn is a child in need of assistance to publish in a newspaper or other publication or website a notice containing certain information regarding the newborn to include a notice to the mother regarding her voluntary relinquishment;
- Requiring the juvenile court to exclude the general public from a hearing which involves discussion of any information pertaining to the confidential identity of a mother of a safe haven newborn; etc.
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Lead Sponsor(s)
Submitting Group: Chair, House Judiciary Committee on request of Human Services
Support:
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions
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- January 23, 2019: Filed; 1st reading; referred to House Judiciary Committee
- February 7, 2019: Hearing. House Judiciary Committee
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Links
Minnesota
Bastard Nation Minnesota State Page
LegScan
Summary
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- Safe Haven provisions part of a larger bill
- In case newborn brought to hospital to be safe havened, and identity of parent is known, an amended birth will be issued to replace the OBC
- In case newborn born hospital who is safe havened and identity of parent is known, an amended birth will be issued to replace the OBC
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Lead Sponsor(s): Rep Laurie Pryor
Submitting Group:
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation
Bill History and Actions
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- March 11, 2019: Introduced; 1st reading; Referred to House Judiciary, Finance, and Civil Law Committee
- March 14, 2019: Adopted as amended (no safe haven changes)’ Re-referred to House Health and Human Series Policy Committee
- March 18, 2019: 2nd reading; committee moves to adopt
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Links
######
LegScan
Summary
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- Companion to HF2397 (same safe haven language)
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Lead Sponsor(s): Sen Jerry Relph
Submitting Group:
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation
Bill History and Actions
March 11, 2019: Introduced; 1st reading; Referred to Senate Family Care and Aging Committee
Links
New Jersey
Bastard Nation New Jersey Page
A3385 Legislative Page (LegScan)
Summary
Requires informational posters about “safe placement options” for newborns options (safe haven) posted in restrooms used by females
Lead Sponsor(s): Assb.Gabriela Mosquera, Assb. Pamela Lampitt, Assb. Britnee Timberlake
Submitting Group:
Support:
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions
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- February 15, 2018: filed, referred to Assembly Women and Children’s Committee (bill carried over from last session)
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Links
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A1380 Legislative Page (LegScan)
Summary
Requires public school districts to provide instruction on NJ Safe Haven Infant Protection Act as part of core curriculum content standards
Lead Sponsor(s): Assb. Anthony Bucco, Assb. Craig Coughlin
Submitting Group:
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation
Bill History and Actions
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- January 9, 2018: Filed; referred to Assembly Women and Children’s Committee
- Assembly Women and Children’s Committee (bill carried over from last session)
- May 16, 2019: Reported out of Assembly Comm. with Amendments, 2nd Reading
- May 23, 2019: Assembly Floor Amendment Passed
- June 10, 2019: Assembly Substituted for A1380 (2R); Passed by the Assembly (73-0-0)2019-06-10
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Links
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S1126 Legislative Page (LegScan)
Summary
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- Identical to 1380 (see above)
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Lead Sponsor(s): Sen Anthony Bucco, Sen Michael Doherty
Submitting Group:
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation
Bill History and Actions
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- January 25, 2019: Introduced in the Senate; referred to Senate Education Committee
- May 14, 2018: Reported from Senate Committee, 2nd Reading
- June 7, 2018: Passed by the Senate
- June 17, 2018: Received in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Women and Children
- Committee
- May 16, 2019: Reported out of Assembly Comm. with Amendments, 2nd Reading
- May 23, 2019: Assembly Floor Amendment Passed
- June 10, 2019: Assembly Substituted for A1380 (2R); Passed by the Assembly (73-0-0)2019-06-10
- August 23, 2019: Approved by both houses
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Links
South Carolina
Bastard Nation South Carolina Page
Summary
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- Extends age of an infant who can be legally abandoned under state’s safe haven law from 60 days to 1 year
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Lead Sponsor(s): Rep Heather Crawford
Submitting Group:
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation
Bill History and Actions
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- December 18, 2018: Prefiled in House; referred to House Judiciary Committee
- January 8, 2019: Introduced in House; referred to House Judiciary Committee
- February 27, 2019: Reported favorable out of House Judiciary Committee
- March 6, 2019; 3rd reading; Passed; Send to Senate; Introduced; 1st reading; referred to Senate Family and Veterans Services Committee
- Links
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BABY BOXES
Arkansas
Bastard Nation Arkansas State Page
Summary
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- adds fire stations to drop-off spots
- amends state safe haven law to authorize the installation of baby drop boxes at law enforcement and fire stations that are staffed 24/7.
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Lead Sponsor(s): Sen. Cecile Bledsoe
Submitting Group:
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation. National Safe Haven Alliance
Bill History and Actions
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- January 24, 2019: Filed; referred to Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee
- January 30, 2019: Returned from Committee with Do Pass recommendation; re-referred to same committee
- February 5, 2019: Withdrawn from committee for amendment; 1st and 2nd reading with amendment; amended, passed, engrossed; re-referred to Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee
- February 6, 2019: Returned from Committee with Do Pass recommendation
- January 7, 2019: 3rd reading; passed; transmitted to House
- February 8, 2019: 1st and 2nd reading in House, referred to Hosue Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor
- February 12, 2019: Returned from committee with Do Pass
- February 14, 2019: 3rd reading in House; passed, sent to Senate; passed; returned to House; passed; ordered enrolled
- February 18, 2019: Sent to Governor
- February 20, 2019: Signed by governor
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Links
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- Bill to add fire stations to baby-box sites clears Arkansas panel, Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, January 31, 2019
- Arkansas Senate bill expands places people can leave unwanted babies includes baby boxes, OzarksFirst.com, February 6, 2019
- Bastard Nation Letter to Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson: Please veto SB168–Baby Box bill, February 19, 2019
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Louisiana
Summary
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- Authorizes the installation and use of newborn safety devices at infant relinquishment sites designated in the Safe Haven Law.
- The device must be voluntarily installed by the designated emergency care facility.
- The device must be physically located inside of a designated emergency care facility that is staffed twenty-four hours per day by a provider of medical services.
- The device must be located in an area that is conspicuous and visible to their employees of the designated emergency care facility.
- A designated emergency care facility that is staffed twenty-four hours per day by a provider of medical services may install on its premises, in an area that is conspicuous and visible to the employees of the facility, a newborn safety device.
- A designated emergency care facility that installs a newborn safety device shall be responsible for the cost of the installation
- also safety requirements
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Lead Sponsor(s): Rep. Steven Plyant
Submitting Group:
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation
Bill History and Actions
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- March 21, 2019: Prefiled; referred to House Committee on Health and Welfare
- April 8, 2019: Read by title, referred to Committee on Health and Welfare
- May 7, 2019: Reported favorably out of committee
- May 20, 2019: Passed House
- May 21, 2019: 1st reading in Senate:
- May 22, 2019: Read second time by title and referred to the Committee on Health and Welfare.
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Links
New Jersey
Bastard Nation New Jersey State Page
A4479 Legislative Page (LegScan)
Summary
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- Identical to S3005 (see below)
- Requires newly constructed police stations fire stations, and hospitals to provide newborn safety device,
- Allows affirmative defense to prosecution for abandonment of parent leaves child in device
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Lead Sponsor(s): Assb.Gabriela Mosquera, Assb. Carol Murphy
Submitting Group:
Support:
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions
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- September 24, 2018: Filed; referred to Assembly Women’s and Children’s Committee
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Links
######
S3005 Legislative Page (LegScan)
Summary
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- Identical to A4479 (above)
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Lead Sponsor(s): Sen Linda R Greenstein
Submitting Group:
Support:
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions
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- September 27, 2018: Filed; referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee
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Links
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General Legislative News
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- Most American adoptees can’t access their birth certificates. That could change soon. Mother Jones, March 13, 2019
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Reporters: Marley Greiner, Emm Paul, Jean Ulrich, Lisa Zatonsky. Assistance: Adoptee Rights Law Center
Corrections and additions welcome.
Updated: November 2, 2019
