CONGRATULATIONS SOUTH DAKOTA!
South Dakota is on the cusp of becoming the 13th state to acknowledge and codify the right of its state-born adoptees to obtain their Original Birth Certificates with restrictions or conditions.
HB1231 zipped through the legislature. Introduced only on February 2, 2023, it passed the House on February 16 (65-4) and the Senate on February 28 (35-0). That’s 26 days and a record. Unlike previous attempts, there was no organized opposition.
HB1231 is a constituent bill sponsored by 1st term rep Mellissa Heerman (R-Brookings County) who did an outstanding job of presenting the bill and the issues. I don’t know what state groups worked on the bill, but on the national level Bastard Nation, The Adoptee Rights Law Center, Adoptees United, and the American Adoption Congress supported the bill and testified and sent letters of support. Obviously, it was South Dakotan boots on the ground that got it through. Congratulations!
HB1231 now goes to Gov. Kristi Noem for signing.
Here are two of several links to HB1231 from the Bastard Nation South Dakota State page. (The audio for the Senate floor vote is not available yet). The page also includes some historic context.
- AUDIO: HB1231 Senate Judiciary Committee Vote, February 27, 2023 (50:22 marker)
- Bastard Nation Letter of Support for HB1231, Senate Judiciary Committee, February 27, 2023
Bastard Nation 2023 Legislation page
New York Adoptee Rights Coalition
Congratulations to all those folks who have sacrificed and struggled (and I hope in a small way, I’ve played a part) to achieve what is a long overdue victory for not just Adoptee Rights but Human Rights, specifically, the Right to Know and Claim One’s Roots everywhere! The Long March ain’t over but it’s a Blakean form of ‘sheer delight’ to savor another Victory!
Thanks so much. You have done so much good work yourself–one of a handful of adoption-competent therapists in the US. A real pioneer.