We do all the tedious work so you don’t have to.
All information is taken from official state legislative pages unless otherwise indicated. We also link each bill to LegiScan, an easy way to check on bills. For more information on these bills, click on the appropriate links. Go to individual State Pages for more details on state actions. such as Action Alerts, testimonies, reports, and news stories. BN submits testimony and letters regularly to legislatures, but these documents will not go live until after a hearing or floor vote has taken place. Depending on state rules, some bills may be renumbered during sessions or when they are carried over from a previous session. Covid relief and budget bills may continue to have priority in legislatures this year. As usual, we are second thoughts—or third, fourth or fifth. Reported by Marley Greiner (additions and corrections are welcome!)
Prior legislative sessions: 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014
2023 State Legislative Calendars • Explanation of Carry-Over Bills
Original Birth Certificate and Adoption Records
2023 looks a like a crazy year. Arizona just changed its law to the worse, now returns to fix it–again. Mississippi has four bills. Why is this so difficult?
SB1147 LegiScan | SB1329 LegiScan | SB1464 LegiScan
Summary: Here we go again! The ink on the new very limited access bill (adoptees born before June 20, 1968, or after September 28, 2021) is barely dry when a new bill pops up to open access to all. Well, in this case, 3 new bills, all of which seem to be the same and all introduced in the Senate. Access specs change every few years. Stop the insanity now! Bill must be heard week of February 13 to make crossover date.
Actions
ND: Introduced. January 24, 2023: Assigned to House Rules and House Judiciary Committees
January 25, 2023: Second reading
February 17, 2023: Failed to meet hearing deadline. Died in committee
SB1329
Sponsor: Sen Ken Bennett
Actions
ND: Introduced January 30, 2023: Sent to Senate Judiciary Committee and Senate Rules Committee February 17, 2023: Failed to meet hearing deadline. Died in committee
SB1464
Sponsor: Sen Thomas L”TJ” Shope
Actions
February 1, 2023: Assigned to House Rules and House Judiciary Committees
February 17, 2023: Failed to meet hearing deadline. Died in committee
Summary: An unbelievably horrible reactionary bill, filed out of nowhere, that needs to be killed ASAP. While it takes some language from current New York unrestricted law, it turns around and retains court procedures to obtain the OBC. AND, adds parent birthparent redaction authority perspective AND retroactive. The state’s analysis of the bill, which includes opposition arguments, is here.
Sponsor: Assemb.Member Tom Lackey
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation, CalOpen Partners, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Adoptees United, American Adoption Congress) Concerned United Birthparents (more to follow)
Action
February 16, 2023: Introduced; 1st reading. Referral pending, but may be heard in a committee on March 19, 2023
March 21,2023: Hearing scheduled in House Judiciary Committee; Cancelled at request of sponsor
April 18, 2023: Scheduled for Assembly Judiciary Committee hearing. Pulled by author, but will most likely return for the 2023 session.
Summary: Identical to bills introduced in the last two sessions that died. Breaks the seal on the OBC upon the request of all state-born adoptees 18 years old and older as well as persons whose paternity has been changed or affirmed after OBC was issued. It does not specifically state that the OBC will be released, but will presumably be if the seal is broken. Does away with court-initiated intermediary process and “good cause” arguments. Companion: SB854
Sponsor: Rep. Joe Casello , Sen. Linda Stewart
Support: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Adoptees United, American Adoption Congress Oppose:
Actions
January 23, 2023: Filed February 1, 2023: Referred to House Civil Justice Subcommittee (now); Healthcare Regulation Subcommittee, Judiciary Committee
March 7, 2023: 1st reading in House
May 8, 20
May 8, 2023: Dead. Sine Die
S854
Actions
February 16. 2023: Filed February 23, 2023: Referred to Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee, Judiciary Committee, Rules Committee
March 7, 2023: Introduced
May 48 2023: Dead. Sine Die
Summary: Unrestricted access for all Georgia-born adoptees at the age of 18 with no restrictions or conditions.tt also applies to an adopted person’s parent, sibling, or descendant, if the adoptee is deceased.
Sponsor: Sen Randy Robertson
Support: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Adoptees United, American Adoption Congress, Georgia Alliance for Adoptee Rights and many others.
Oppose:
Actions
February 2, 2023: Filed
February 2, 2023; 1st reading; Referred to Senate Children and Families Committee
February 28, 2023: Hearing in Senate Children and Families Committee; voted Do Pass unanimously Sent to Senate Rules
March 6. 2023: House floor vote; Passed 54-0
March 7, 2023: House 1st readers
March 8, 2023: House 2nd readers
March 14, 2023: Passed House Judiciary Committee unanimously
March 29, 2023 House withdrawn and recommitted (failed to come for a vote before session closed)
Summary: Not exactly regarding OBCs, but very disturbing. 75 years is bad enough. Provides that a registration or certificate of a birth or stillbirth is open to public inspection and copying upon the request of any person that occurs 99 years (instead of 75 years) after the record is created.
Sponsor: Rep. Gregory Porter
Support: Oppose: Bastard Nation
Actions
January 17, 2023: First reading; referred to House Committee on Public Health
May 4, 2023: Dead. Sine Die
Renumbered HF720 LegiScan
Summary: Allows an adult adoptee to add biological parents to their OBC by amending their birth certificates to reflect a more accurate and complete version of their parentage. A sworn affidavit from a bio parent is required along with “substantiating evidence” that the person is the parent of the adoptee. If the parent is deceased an affidavit from a personal representative or trustee in relation to the parent is required.
Sponsor: Rep Brian Lohse Sen Brad Zaun
Support: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Adoptees United. Iowa Bar Association, Smalol Ventures USA,
Oppose:
Actions
January 18, 2023: Introduced; Referred to House Judiciary Committee
February 2, 2023: Subcommittee recommends passage 3-0.
February 9, 2023: House Judiciary Committee recommends Do Pass
February 13, 2023: Renumbered to HF268 and referred to House Ways and Means Committee
February 27, 2023: Hearing scheduled for House Ways and Means Committee
March 6, 2023: Committee report approves
April 12, 2023: Subsistute recommends passage
April 19, 2023: Renumbered HF729
May 1, 2023: SF517 substitutes; Withdrawn
SF517
Actions
February 1, 2023: Introduced; Referred to Senate Health and Human Service Committee
February 7, 2023: Referred to Subcommittee
February 16, 2023: Subcommittee recommends passage
March 6, 2023: Committee approves; Renumbered SF517
March 30, 2023: Placed on Calendar: Unfinished Business
April 20, 2023: Passed Senate 49-0
April 24, 2023: 1st reading in House
May 1, 2023: Passed House 96-10
May 11, 2023: Sent to Governor
June 1, 2023: Signed by Governor; Effective July 1, 2023
Summary: Another of those awful reactionary bills (a la California, but a different kind of awful) that nobody wants) Currently, all adoptees must go through the Michigan Central Adoption Registry to receive their OBC. Adoptees whose parental rights were terminated before roughly May 1945 or after September 1980.can receive identifying information (less the OBC) unless a parent has filed a denial of release” with the adoption registry. Adoptees who fall between those dates basically get nothing. This bill retroactively rescinds the timeline and requires all adoptees to be subjected to parental consent not only for the OBC but identifying information. Now everybody is discriminated against. Apparently, the sponsors of this bill believe this is a step forward.
Sponsor: Rep.Pat Outman
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Adoptees United, American Adoption Congress, and many others to be listed later.
Actions
May 9. 2023: Introduced; 1st reading; Referred to House Families, Children, and Seniors Committee
Unknown Date: Dead
____________
These bills are tie-bared, and neither bill can be enacted into law without the enactment of the other.
Summary of HB5148: A “clean bill” that allows all Michigan-born adoptees, their descendants or legal representatives to obtain the adoptee’s original birth certificate without restrictions or conditions upon request at the age of 18, The bill contains a voluntarily optional Contact Preference Form which allows biological parents to record if the would like contact but does not control the release of the OBC.
Sponsor: Rep Kristan Grant
HB5148 Actions:
October 17, 2023: Introduced; 1st reading; Referred to Committee on Families, Children, and Seniors
November 8, 2023: Passed House 99-8-3
Summary of SB5149: Eliminates current court and Central Adoption Registry control over the release of the OBC. It retains biological parent denial of identifying information requests already on file, BUT that request does not restrict OBC access. No release vetoes can be filed after July 1, 2024.
Sponsor: Rep Pat Outman (originally sponsored bad HB4529, but after discussion with local activists, changed his mind and came over to full access)
HB5149 Actions
October 17, 2023: Introduced; 1st reading; Referred to Committee Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure
October, 28. 2003: Referred to Committee on Family, Children and Seniors
November 9, 2023: Passed House 99-8-3
Both Bills:
Support: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Adoptees United, American Adoption Congress. Michigan Adoptee Rights Coalition, Adoptee Advocates of Michigan, Michigan Adoption Collaborative
Oppose:
Summary: Restores right of all Minnesota-born adoptees to their OBC with no conditions or restrictions upon request at age 18; Eliminates the state’s complicated intermediary system. Identical bills. HB1778 is now part of the Senate SF2995 (HHS omnibus appropriations bill passed on April 18. The OBC provisions now in SF2995 must be included in the final HHS omnibus bill, which will beheard by a House and Senate conference committee, probably during the first part of May. It’s complicated.
Sponsor: Sen Erin K Maye Quade, Rep Dave Baker
Support: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Adoptees United, American Adoption Congress, Minnesota Coalition for Adoption Reform
Oppose:
Actions
February 3, 2023: Introduced
February 6, 2023: Referred to Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee
March 17, 2023: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee passed favorably
March 20, 2023: Re-referred to Health and Human Services Committee
March 24,2023: Hearing held in Senate Health and Human Services Committee; bill held over to 2024 when it will most likely be added to an omnibus bill. Added to omnibus bill
May 22, 2023: Passed by House and Senate
HF1778
Sponsor:
Actions
February 15,2023: Introduced; 1st Reading, Referred to Health, Finance & Policy Committee
Summary: Extreme Reactionary bill.“Any adoptee eighteen (18) years of age or older may file with the bureau at any time a request to provide the adoptee with his or her original birth certificate and with any other available identifying information about a birthparent’s identity and location. Upon receipt of such request, the bureau shall contact the birthparent, regardless as to whether such parent has filed an affidavit under paragraph (a) of this subsection, to notify him or her of the request. Upon agreement from a birthparent, the bureau shall provide the requested information regarding only the parent who agreed to the release of identifying information.” An identical bill was filed last session but died in committee without a hearing.
Sponsor: Rep Lee Yancy
Support: Oppose: Adoptee Rights Law Center, Adoptees United, American Adoption Congress
Actions
January 3. 2023: Referred to House Judiciary Committee, Division A
January 31, 2023: Failed to meet hearing deadline. Dead
######
Summary: Authorizes registrar to issue a certificate of foreign birth for an intercountry adopted child who has acquired automatic U.S. citizenship. Parents must have finalized the adoption in the country of origin and the child must have a Certificate of US Citizenship along with a certified copy of their OBC from the country of origin and other supporting material.
Sponsor: Rep Fred Shanks
Support: Bastard Nation
Opose:
Actions
January 16, 2023: Referred to House Judiciary Committee, Division B
anuary 31, 2023: Failed to meet hearing deadline. Dead
######
Summary: Complicated bill allows those adopted in the state (does not say born in state) at the age of 24 to apply to the state’s adoption system through a licensed adoption agency providing post-adoption services to obtain the “identifying information” of birthparents. The state, however, does not maintain centralized adoption records before 2005.
Sponsor: Sen Billy Calvert
Support: Complicated bill allows those adopted in the state (does not say born in state) to the state’s adoption system through a licensed adoption agency providing post-adoption services to obtain and provide the “identifying information” of birthparents.
Oppose: Adoptee Rights Law Center, Adoptees United, American Adoption Congress
Actions
January 16, 2023: Referred to House Judiciary Committee, Division A
January 31, 2023: Failed to meet hearing deadline. Dead
######
Summary: Unrestricted access for all Mississippi-born adoptees at the age of 21 (generally the age of majority in MS). Marked “Cancelled and revised.”
Sponsor: Sen Angela Burks Hill
Support:
Oppose: Originally supported by Adoptee Rights Law Center, Adoptees United, American Adoption Congress. Due to the amendment, we now oppose
Actions
January 9. 2023: Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee, Division A
January 26, 2023: Hearing in Senate Judiciary Committee, Division A. Amended to “OBC would be released upon request “unless otherwise provided by the court” which implies some type of court-ordered restriction. Amended bill passed favorably out of committee.
February 7, 2023: Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee, Division A
February 28, 2023: Senate Judiciary Committee A voted DO Pass with amendment
March 7, 2023: Amended; Passed as Amended; Motion to reconsider entered
March 8, 2023: Passed as amended
March 8, 2023: Returned for concurrence
March 14, 2023: Declined to concur
March 17, 2023: Conferrers named
March 23, 2023: Conferrers named
March 27, 2023: Dead. Died in conference
######
Summary: Unrestricted access for all Mississippi-born adoptees at the age of 18. Marked “Cancelled and revised.”
Sponsor: Sen Charles Younger
Support: Oppose:
Actions
January 9, 2023: Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee, Division A
January 31, 2023: Failed to meet hearing deadline. Dead
Summary: If an original record of live birth for a person at least 21 years of age was sealed under ORS 432.245 and was later opened under ORS 432.250, and the paternity or parentage of the person is determined upon review of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) testing evidence 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. The center shall charge a fee of $100 to enter names of parents on the original record of live birth under this.
Sponsor: Sen Sara Gelser Blouin
Support: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Adoptees United
Oppose:
Actions
January 8, 2023: Introduced
January 12, 2023: Referred to Senate Human Services Committee
January 23, 2023: Hearing in Senate Human Services Committee
February 1, 2023: Work meeting. Bill held over. Needs re-worked because courts currently do not have the power to do what the bill says it does.
March 6,n 023: Work session: Recommend Do Pass with amendments.
March 8, 2023: Recommends Do Pass with amendments
March 9, 9, 2023: 2nd reading
March 13, 2023: 3rd reading’ Passed 28-1
March 14, 2023: 1st reading in House
March 15, 2023: Referred to House Early Childhood and Human Services Committee.
April 24, 2023: Public hearing held in House Early Childhood and Human Services Committee.
May 5, 2023: Recommended Do Pass
May 23, 2023: Passed House
June 6 20223 Signed by Governor; Effective January 1, 2024
Summary: Eliminates discriminatory sections of the 2018 bill that made a travesty of OBC access,.This bill replaces the bizarre arts & crafts ummary of information taken from the OBC with the actual OBC; removes the requirement that the adoptee have a high school diploma or a GED; and replaces redactions by birthparents with a genuine non-binding Congtact Preference Form
Support: Bastard Nation, The Adoptee Rights Law Center, Adoptees United, American Adoption Congress
Oppose:
Actions
June 5, 2023: Introduced; Referred to Senate Health and Services Committee
November 13, 2023: Passed Senate Health and Services Committee; re-referred to Senate Appropriations Committee
Summary: Separates release of the OBC from a required court process currently in place to receive court adoption records. OBC would be released upon request with no conditions or restrictions at age 18.
Sponsor: Rep Mellissa Heermann
Support: Bastard Nation, The Adoptee Rights Law Center, Adoptees United, American Adoption Congress
Oppose:
Actions
February 2, 2023: Introduced
February 15, 2023: Hearing in House Judiciary Committee. Passed 12-0
February 16, 2023: Passed House 65-4.
February 21, 2023: 1st reading in Senate; Referred to Senate Health and Human Services Committee
February 27, 2023: Hearing in Senate Health and Human Services Committee; voted Do Pass 5-0; Placed on Consent Calendar
February 28, 2023: Passed Senate 35-0
March 8, 2023: Delivered to Governor
March 23, 2023: Signed by Governor; Effective July 1, 2023
SB2237 LegiScan
Summary: Unrestricted access for all Virginia-born adoptees at the age of 18 with no restrictions or conditions. Companion is SB2237.
Sponsor: Rep Cody Harris
Support: Bastard Nation, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, Adoptee Rights Law Center, American Adoption Congress, Gladney Adoptees for Rights and Equality, TxSTAR. TxCare
Oppose:
Actions
February 7, 2023: Filed
March 8, 2023: 1st reading; Assigned to House Public Health Committee
April 3, 2023: Hearing held in House Public Health Committee (vote pending)
April 24, 2023: Passed House 144-0; Received by Senate
May 29, 2023: Dead. Sine Die. Bill pulled at order of Sen Donna Campbell
SB2237
Sponsor: Sen Morgan LaMantia
Actions:
March 10, 2023: Filed
March 22, 2023: 1st reading; Referred to Senate Health and Human Services Committee
Summary: Unrestricted access for all Virginia-born adoptees at the age of 18 with no restrictions or conditions.
ponsor: Pat. Wendell Walker
Support: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Adoptees United, Capitol Adoptee Rights Coalition, Children’s Home Society of Virginia, C2 Adoptions
Oppose:
Actions
January 10, 2023: Prefiled; Referred to House Subcommittee on Health, Welfare, and Institutions
January 13, 2023: Referred to SubCommittee 3
January 26, 2023: Hearing in House Subcommittee on Health, Welfare, and Institutions #3, Voted DO PASS 4-0.
January 31, 2023: Hearing in House Health, Welfare, and Institutions Full Committee. Passed 19-0.
February 6, 2022: Dead. Scheduled for House vote; pulled and re-referred to HHW. Since no meeting is scheduled the bill failed to meet the cross-over deadline and dead.
BOTH bILLS DEAD FOR ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES DUE TO ADOPTEEPHOBIC SENATOR DONNA CAMPBELL WHO BLOCKED HEARINGS–AGAIN.
Summary: Another confusing bill. Requires adoptees 21 years of age and older to apply and be unsuccessful in obtaining their identifying information from the state’s mutual consent registry before they can apply for their OBC Contains petition process, good cause determination, and more confusing language. Also requires adoptees to complete “one hour of counseling with a social worker or social service worker employed by the Department’s registry” as part of trying to obtain the OBC through the registry. Does nothing o restore rights. This is identical to a bill that died in committee without a hearing last session.
Sponsor: Del Josh Holstein
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Adoptees United, American Adoption Congress,
Actions
January 11, 2023: Introduced; Referred to House Judiciary Committee March 11, 2023: Dead. Sine Die
######
Summary: Another reactionary bill. Identical to bill last session. Authorizes release of OBC to West Virginia-born adoptees 18 years of age and older and their lineal descendants. Adoptee must have graduated from high school, completed a “Test Assessing Secondary Completion Program, or has legally withdrawn from second schooling. includes CPF that does not to affect the release of OBC, but also includes a redaction request form to allow parent(s) to request name be redacted from released OBC.
Sponsor: Sen Mike Azinger
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Adoptees United, American Adoption Congress
Actions
January 25, 2023: Introduced; Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
February 25, 2023: 1st and 2nd reading
February 28, 2022: Senate Judiciary Committee voted Do Pass with amendment language; 2nd reading
March 1, 2023: 3rd reading with right to amend. Passed Senate 33-0
March 2, 2023: Introduced n House; Referred to House Judiciary
March 11, 2023: Dead. Sine Die
Summary: This bill expands access to original impounded birth records, allowing an adoptee whose original birth record has been impounded to receive an uncertified copy of that impounded record upon request once the adoptee is 18 years of age. The bill separates OBC access from the state’s current complex intermediary procedure to gain the OBC via permission of birthparents.
Support: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Adoptees United, American Adoption Congress, Adoptee Equal Rights Task Force Wisconsin
Oppose:
Actions
January 27, 2023: 1st reading; Referred to Senate Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Children and Families Committee
December 8, 2023: Unofficially dead
Traditional Safe Haven Bills
Alabama
SB209 (Link does not go directly to leg. page. Must use bill search) LegiScan
Summary: Amends the Alabama SH law to add emergency medical services stations, EMT providers, fire stations or employees at a fire station, law enforcement officer or employment of agent or law enforcement agency, and hospitals or any of their licensed healthcare professionals to accept babies for Safe Haven acceptance. In other words, a clerical worker at a police station can take custody of a newborn under the bill. Also allows for anonymous birth in hospitals where mothers can refuse to be listed on the birth certificate
- Sponsor: Sen. Larry Stutts
Support: Safe Haven Baby Boxes
Opposed:
Actions
April 12, 2023: Introduced in Senate; Referred to Senate Children, Youth, and Health Committee
Summary: If the identity of a parent or child is released or otherwise known, the case shall not be treated as a Safe Haven case under this section but as an abandonment or other dependency case as defined in §B195 2/6/2023 12:55:48 PM LHR0579-27-303. (B)(i) If the child is relinquished at a safe place, the parent shall not be held criminally liable for the relinquishment or have a true finding of maltreatment entered against the parent if the parent’s identity is known and the Department of Human Services proceeds under § 9-27-. Other protocol changes.
Sponsor: Sen Kim Hammer
Support: Arkansas Department of Children’s Services
Oppose: Safe Haven Baby Boxes Actions (?)
Actions
February 6, 2023: Filed; 1st reading; Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
February 22 2023: New language added; 1st reading; 2nd reading amended; referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
March 6, 2023: Senate Judiciary Committee votes Do Pass
March 16, 2023: Passed in Senate; Delivered to Governor
March 24 2023: SIgned by Governor. Now Act 348,
Summary: One of the worst-ever amendments to a state SH law. This bill adds churches and adoption agencies as Safe Haven locations. If a church “is affiliated with a child-placing agency, ” the bill allows the church to place that child with the affiliated agency for adoption. Also requires the state to compile of list of non-profit adoption agencies who agree to be placed on a rotating referral list to take the child..If all agencies decline to take the case, the state will handle the adoption.
Sponsor: Sen Marty Harber
Support: The Hope Box
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Missouri Open, New York Adoptee Rights Coalition, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, Equal Access Oklahoma, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptees, Stop Safe Haven Baby Boxes Now
Actions
February 15, 2023: Filed February 16, 2023: Senate read and referred
March 8, 2023: No hearings; failed to meet crossover deadline. Dead
Also filed under Safe Haven Baby Boxes
Summary: Defines “safe haven infant”. Allows the emergency medical services provider to notify either the department of child services (department) or a licensed child placing agency to take custody of a safe haven infant. Provides distinct procedures for termination of parent-child relationship involving a safe haven infant. Requires the department’s attorney or a licensed child placing agency to file a petition to terminate the parent-child relationship not later than 15 days after taking custody of the safe haven infant. Requires a licensed child placing agency to place the safe haven infant with a preapproved foster care provider. Provides that both parents’ consent to termination of the parent-child relationship is irrevocably implied without further court action if, after at least 28 days, neither parent petitioned the court for custody. Provides that notice is not required for safe haven infants. Prohibits the court from inquiring about the reason for the parents’ absence. Adds safe haven infants to the list of exceptions to required preservation and reunification efforts. Amendments added regarding notice and “cap” on adoption fees.
Sponsor: Sen. Travis Holdman
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Missouri Open, New York Adoptee Rights Coalition, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, Equal Access Oklahoma, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptees, Stop Safe Haven Baby Boxes Now
Actions
January 12, 2023: 1st reading; referred to Committee of the Judiciary
February 1, 2023: Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing; No action taken. Bill needs extensive work-over
February 15, 2023: Senate Judiciary Committee voted Do Pass with amendments.
February 20. 2023: 2nd reading; minor amendment added. Ordered engrossed
February 28, 2023: Referred to House Judiciary Committee
March 8, 2023: Hearing in House Judiciary Committee; Held over to next meeting, March 15
March 15, 2023: Voted favorably out of House Judiciary Committee, 11-0
- March 22 , 2023: Voted out of House 81-14
- March 23 2023: Sent to Senate with amendments
- April 3, 2023: Senate Cioncured; to House amendments. Roll call: 48-0
- April 20, 2023: Signed by Governor; Eeffective
Mississippi
Also filed under Safe Haven Baby Boxes
Summary: Authorizes installation of “newborn safety devices” sponsored by emergency service providers; authorizes any city or county to sponsor a device as long as it meets state law requirements. . Amends state law to provide that any church licensed with the Department of Child Protection Services to receive children under the law be considered an emergency service provider. Increases age that age a baby can be safe havened from 72 hours to 90 days. March 8, 2023:Amended with big notice protections.
Sponsor: Rep Jill Ford
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Missouri Open, New York Adoptee Rights Coalition, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, Equal Access Oklahoma, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptees. Save Abandoned Babies Foundation, National Safe Haven Alliance, Stop Safe Haven Baby Boxes Now
Actions
January 16, 2023: Introduced; Referred to Judiciary Committee A
February 2, 2023: Passed
February 3, 2023; Motion to Reconsider entered
February 7, 2023: Amended and passed.. Amendment lowers age to 34 days and adds designated dumper to law.
February 9, 2023: Transmitted to Senate February 13, 2023: Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee A
February 28, 2023: Senate Judiciary Committee A voted Do Pass
March 8, 20923: Amended; Passed as Amended
March 13,2023: Sent to concur
March 14, 2023: Concurrance declined
March 31, 2023: Conference Report adopted
April 9, 2023: Signed by Governor; Effectgive April 19, 2023
######
Also filed under Safe Haven Baby Boxes
Summary Similar to SB 2386. Provides a clear path to permanency for children in custody of the Department of Child Protection Services. Adds new section to Mississippi Code 1972. Authorizes installation of baby boxes (“newborn safety devices” at emergency medical services provider locations. Increases the age babies can be safe havened from 72 hours to 60 days. Appears to clarify or tighten Safe Haven procedures. Defines “emergency services: “a” licensed hospital, as defined in Section 41-9-3, which operates an emergency department, an adoption agency duly licensed by the Department of Human Services, or fire station or mobile ambulance staffed with full-time firefighters, emergency medical technicians or paramedics. “Emergency medical services provider” does not include the offices, clinics, surgeries or treatment facilities of private physicians or dentists. “Emergency medical services provider” does not include any individual licensed healthcare provider, including physicians, dentists, nurses, physician assistants or other health professionals under this article unless such individual voluntarily assumes responsibility for the custody of the child.
Sponsor: Sen Nicole Boyd
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Missouri Open, New York Adoptee Rights Coalition, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, Equal Access Oklahoma, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptees. Save Abandoned Babies Foundation, National Safe Haven Alliance, Stop Safe Haven Baby Boxes Now
Actions
January 16, 2023: Introduced; Referred to Judiciary Committee A J
January 31, 2023: Senate Judiciary Committee A vote Do Pass
February 8, 2023: Passed Senate as amended;
February 14, 2023: Transmitted to House; Referred to House Judiciary Committee A
February 28, 2023: Died in Committee.
######
Also filed under Safe Haven Baby Boxes
Summary Similar to SB 2386. Adds new section to Mississippi Code 1972. Authorizes installation of baby boxes (“newborn safety devices” at emergency medical services provider locations. Increases the age babies can be safe havened from 72 hours to 60 days. Appears to clarify or tighten Safe Haven procedures. Defines “emergency services: “a” licensed hospital, as defined in Section 41-9-3, which operates an emergency department, an adoption agency duly licensed by the Department of Human Services, or fire station or mobile ambulance staffed with full-time firefighters, emergency medical technicians or paramedics. “Emergency medical services provider” does not include the offices, clinics, surgeries or treatment facilities of private physicians or dentists. “Emergency medical services provider” does not include any individual licensed healthcare provider, including physicians, dentists, nurses, physician assistants or other health professionals under this article unless such individual voluntarily assumes responsibility for the custody of the child.
Sponsor: Sen Nicole Boyd
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Missouri Open, New York Adoptee Rights Coalition, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, Equal Access Oklahoma, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptees. Save Abandoned Babies Foundation, National Safe Haven Alliance, Stop Safe Haven Baby Boxes Now
Actions
January 16, 2023: Introduced; Referred to Judiciary Committee A
January 31, 2023: Failed to meet hearing deadline Dead
Summary: Requires informational posters about “safe placement alternatives for newborn infants “be posted in public restrooms located in schools and universities used by females over the age of 12.
Lead Sponsor(s): Assb. Gabriela Mosqauera
Support
Oppose: Bastard Nation. Adoptee Rights Law Center, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, Missouri Open, New York Adoptee Rights Coalition, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptees, Equal Access Oklahoma
Actions
January 11, 2022: Introduced, Referred to Assembly Women and Children Committee
######
Summary: Identical Bills. Carry-over from last year Allows persons who give birth to children in licensed general hospitals to surrender those children under “Safe Haven Infant Protection Act.”
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation. Adoptee Rights Law Center, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, Missouri Open, New York Adoptee Rights Coalition, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptees, Equal Access Oklahoma
House
Sponsor: Rep Mila Jasey
Actions
June 2, 2022: Introduced, Referred to Assembly Women and Children Committee
March 30, 2023: Passed Assembly 74-0-0
Senate:
Sponsor: Sen. Kristin Corado
Actions
June 14, 2022: Introduced; Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
March 30. 2023: Repottoed for Senate committee; 2nd reading
May 11, 2011: Passed committee 8-0
Summary: Allows the permanency planning and hearing and termination of parental rights hearing to occur at the same proceeding with exceptions.
Sponsor: Rep G Murrell Smith, Jr
Support: Oppose:
Actions
January 10, 2023: Introduced; Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary
March 29, 2023: Committee on the Judiciary reported favorably
April 4, 2023: Passed House 111-0
April 5, 2023: Sent to Senate; 1st reading; Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
April 20, 2023: Referred to (no name) subcommittee
######
Summary: Consent is required of the Department of Social Services as the child placing agency if the child was voluntarily left with a safe haven
Sponsor: Rep G Murrell Smith, Jr
Support: Oppose:
Actions
January 10, 2023: Introduced; Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary
March 29, 2023: Committee on the Judiciary reported favorably with amendment
April 4, 2023: Recommitted to House Judiciary Committee
Tennessee
Also filed under Safe Haven Baby Boxes
Summary of HB 164/SB534: Identical Bills. Requires the Department of Children’s Services to designate an authorized nonprofit licensed child-placing agency to assume physical care, custody, and control of an infant voluntarily left at certain facilities or in a newborn safety device; specifies that a court may waive the six-month waiting period after the filing of an adoption petition if the child was voluntarily left at certain facilities or in a newborn safety device and certain other circumstances have been met.
Sponsor: Rep. Ed Butler, Sen Ferrell Haile
Support:
Opose: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Missouri Open, New York Adoptee Rights Coalition, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, Equal Access Oklahoma, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptees Stop Safe Haven Baby Boxes Now,
Actions HB164:
January 13, 2023: Filed for introduction J
January 20, 2023: Introduced J
January 21, 2023: Referred to Civil Justice Committee
January 24, 2023: Assigned to Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee
March 7, 2023: Hearing scheduled in House Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee
- March 14, 2023: Placed in Children & Family Affairs Subcommittee calendar
- April 3, 2023: Passed House 92-3
- Aril 5, 2023: Passed on 1st consideration
- April 6, 2023: Passed Senate 29-1
- April 28., 2023: Signed by Governor; Effective July 1, 2023
Actions SB534
January 26, 2023: FIled January 26, 2023: Introduced; Pass on 1st consideration
- March 13, 2023: Senate Judiciary calendar
- March 17, 2023: Senate Judiciary Committee recommends passage 6-0
Safe Haven Baby Box Bills
Many Safe Haven Baby Box bills have been introduced this year.
Please go to the Legislation Page at the top Stop Haven Baby Boxes Now! website for detailed legislative information as well as many other details, including individual state pages.
Updated: December 8, , 2023
