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, go to the appropriate links.
For previous sessions: Visit links for 2020 – 2019 – 2018 – 2017 – 2016 – 2015 – 2014.
NOTE: Covid relief and budget bills have priority in most legislatures this year.
As usual, we are second thoughts, if that.
State Legislative Calendars
Go to individual State Pages for more details on state actions. such as Action Alerts, testimony 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.
Reporters: Marley Greiner,
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OBC & RECORDS BILLS
***Arizona***
HB 2070 Summary: Unrestricted access bill. All adoptees born in Arizona 18 years of age and older can receive a non-certified copy of OBC. Descendants not included, Contains a genuine Contact Preference Form, that does not affect access. Similar bill passed House 53-7 last session and was sent to Senate but died in Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee when chair, now retired, refused to move it. UPDATE: Bill amended 1/27/2021 to restrict OBC to those born between 1968-2021; thus blocking the majority of the state’s adoptees from receiving their OBCs. Bastard Nation has pulled support and now opposes. The so-called “activist” group Heritage Arizona made no objections.
Lead Sponsor(s): Rep. Bret Roberts; Rep John Fillmore
Support: Center for Arizona Policy, Heritage Arizona
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, American Adoption Congress, CalOpen
Bill History and Actions
January 6, 2021: Prefiiled
January 14, 1st reading; assigned to House Judiciary and Rules Committees
January 20, 2021: 2nd reading
January 27, 2021: Hearing at House Judiciary Committee; amended to block access between 1968-2021.
February 9, 2021: 3rd reading; Passed in House 59-0. Bill is now prospective from January 1, 2022; contains CPF. $1 million allocated to set up system.
February 9, 2021: Transmitted to Senate
February 18, 2021: Referred to Senate Health and Human Service and Rules Committees
February 22, 2021: 2nd Reading in Senate
March 3, 2021: Senate Health and Human Services Committee votes Do Pass 7-0
May 24, 2021: Hearing in Senate Rules scheduled; passed.
May 26, 2021: Senate: passed
May 28, 2021: Vetoed by Governor, Dead unless veto is overturned
June 10, 2021: Senate Rules Committee votes to reconsider all 22 bills that were vetoed. SB 1831 (replacement bill) filed.
NOTE: Session extended.
######
SB 1831 Legislative Page (Special Session)
Legiscan
SB1831 Summary: Same as Amended HB270. to restrict OBC to those born between 1968-2021; thus blocking the majority of the state’s adoptees from receiving their OBCs
Lead Spsonsor(s) Sen. Karen Fann (Senate President)
Support: Center for Arizona Policy, Arizona Heritage
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, American Adoption Congress, CalOpen/ See Joint Letter for more opposition.
Bill History and Actions
June 10, 2021: 1st reading
June 15, 2021: 2nd reading
June 24, 2021: 3rd reading; Passed 17-13
June 25, 2021: Third reading; Passed 49-7-4
June 29, 2021: Signed by Governor
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HB2921 Legislative Page
Legiscan
HB2169 Summary: Identical to SB1831 (above)
Bill History and Actions
June 7, 2021: Introduced; 1st reading
June 15, 2021: 2nd reading
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***Connecticut***
Bastard Nation Connecticut Page
Raised Bill HB 6105 Legislative Page
HB 6105 Summary: Grants access to an uncertified copy of their OBC to all adopted persons 18 years of age or older born in Connecticut regardless of age; to their children or grandchildren if deceased, and to a legal representative. Contains genuine Contact Preference Form. Current law blocks unrestricted access for those born January 1, 1944-October 1, 1983. (Note: Proposed Bill HB 5130 and Proposed Bill HB 5388 referred to Joint Committee as Raised Bill HB 5105).
Lead Sponsor(s):
Support: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, American Adoption Congress (Complete List of Testimony and 5-Year Testimony Index)
Bill History and Actions
January 28, 2021: Referred to Joint Committee scheduled.
January 29, 2021: Hearing in Joint Committee
March 2, 2021: Passed favorably from Joint Committee
May 2021: Passed House: 115-28
May 25, 2021: Passed Senate: 27-8
June 2, 2021: Transmitted to Governor
June 7. 2021: Signed by Governor. Effective Date: July 1, 2021
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***Florida***
Bastard Nation Florida State Page
HB 1333 Summary: Grants access to an uncertified copy of their OBC to all adopted persons 18 years of age or older born in Florida; eliminates “good cause” provision to petition court for adoption records, including the OBC; eliminates intermediary process. Includes OBCs of individuals whose records were later sealed after paternity determinations. No CPF.
Lead Sponsor(s): Rep. Emily Slosberg
Support: Bastard Nation, American Adoption Congress
Oppse:
Bill History and Actions
February 25, 2021: Filed
March 2, 2021: 1st reading
March 5, 2021: Referred to Civil Justice & Property Rights Subcommittee, Professions & Public Health Committee; Judiciary Committee
April 30, 2021: Dead. Sine Die
######
SB 1700 Summary: Companion to HB 1333 (see above)
Lead Sponsor(s): Sen. Vic Torres
Support:
Bill History and Actions
February 25, 2021: Filed
March 4, 2021: Referred to Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee; Judiciary Committee; Rules Committee
March 10, 2021: Introduced
April 30, 2021: Dead. Sine Die
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***Idaho***
HB 59 Summary: Prospective only. OBCs available to those whose adoptions are finalized on or after July 1, 2021.at the age of 18.
Lead Sponsor(s): House State Affairs Committee
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, American Adoption Congress
Bill History and Actions
January 29, 2021: Introduced; 1st reading; referred to Printing
February 1, 2021: Reported Printed and Referred to Judiciary, Rules & Administration
March 2, 2021: House Rules & Administration Committee recommends Do Pass; filed for 2nd reading
March 4, 2021: Passed 67-0-3
March 5, 2021: Received by Senate; Filed for 1st reading; Referred to Judiciary & Rules
March 11, 2021: Hearing in Judiciary & Rules Committee; 4-4; reported out of committee to “14th Order for amendment.”
April 6, 2021: Dead. Sine Die
NOTE: Senate session ended; House session recessed.
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***Indiana***
Bastard Nation Indiana State Page
HB 268: Summary: Maintains the state’s discriminatory veto system, over the release of OBCs Expands existing DVs to June 30, 2021; eliminates the current CPF but only for adoptions finalized after June 30, 2021; allows the CPF to expire upon bparent’s death.
Lead Sponsor(s): Sen. Michael Young
Support:
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions:
January 11, 2021: Introduced; referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
January 28, 2021: Senate Judiciary Committee votes Do Pass
February 1, 2021: 2nd reading engrossed
February 5, 2021: 3rd reading; passed; Referred to House
March 2, 2021: 1st reading in House; referred to House Judiciary Committee
April 22, 2021: Session recessed until November (pending lawsuit)
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***Iowa***
Bastard Nation Iowa State Page
New Number: HF 855 Legislative Page
Old Number: HF 723 Legislative Page
Old Number: SSB1040 Legislative Page
HF 723 (renumbered from SSB 1040 ) Summary: Fake OBC bill similar to last session’s bill. Contains redaction “privilege” for birthparents; maintains the Contact Preference form that acts as a Disclosure Veto.
Lead Sponsor(s): Committee of the Government
Submitting Group
Support: Iowa Adoptee and Family Coalition, Families United Action Network, Iowa Citizens for Justice
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, American Adoption Congress
Bill History and Actions:
January 13, 2021: Introduced; referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
January 19, 2021: Referred to Subcommittee: Johnson, Boulton, and Reichman.
February 15, 2021: Subcommittee recommends passage.
March 3, 2021: Committee voted Do Pass (Bill re-numbered to HF 7223); Introduced; Sent to House Ways and Means Committee
March 4, 2021: Subcommittee meeting
March 9, 2021: Subcommittee recommends passage 3-0
March 24, 2021: Committee renumbered HF855; Introduced; Referred to House Ways & Means Committee Calendar
April 14, 2021: Passed House 91-0. Attached to SB 855
April 21, 2021: Passed with minor amendment Senate 46-0
April 27, 2021: Passed Senate; Sent to Governor
May 19, 2021: Signed by Governor
######
New Number HF 855 (see above for links)
Old Number: HF 723 (see above for links)
Old Number: HSB 226 Legislative Page
HF 723 ( re-numbered from HSB 226) Summary: House companion to SSH 1040
Lead Sponsor(s): Committee on Judiciary
Bill History and Actions:
February 17, 2021: Introduced; sent to subcommittee
February 18, 2021: Subcommittee meeting
February 24, 2021: Subcommittee recommends passage 3-0; Passed House Judiciary Committee
March 3, 2021: Committee approves; re-numbered to HB723
April 27, 2021: See above
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***Maryland***
HB 683 Summary: Introduced in 2020 prior session as HB1039. Passed House unanimously, but died in Senate Covid slowdown. Identical to last year’s bill. Provides for unrestricted OBC access. for adoptees at age 18. Includes a genuine contact preference form (CPF); allows a birth parent to request and obtain the OBC. Sunsets the few prior disclosure vetoes on file converting them to contact preferences indicating that no contact is preferred.
Lead Sponsor(s): Sen. Susan Lee
Support: Bastard Nation, Capitol Coalition for Adoptee Rights, American Adoption Congress, Maryland Adoptee Rights
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions:
November 2, 2020: Prefiled
January 13, 2121: 1st reading Judicial Proceedings, scheduled
January 26, 2021: Senate hearing. No opposition testimony. No vote taken
March 22, 2021: Passed Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee 8-3.
March 25, 2021: Placed on Special Orders Calendar for March 29. 2021
March 29, 2021: Defeated 16-31. Dead
######
HB999 Summary: House companion to SB 331 See above for details
Lead Sponsor(s): Del. Mike Griffith
Bill History and Actions:
February 5, 2021: Introduced; Referred to House Government and Operations Committee
February 25, 2021: Hearing scheduled; canceled.
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***Massachusetts***
Bastard Nation Massachusetts Page
Legiscan
HD 1543 Summary: The battle continues on Beacon Hill. 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. Last session this identical bill passed the House, was sent to the Senate, where it went unheard in the Rules Committee.
See BN Leg pages for 2016, 2018, and 2020 for information on previous attempts to pass this identical proposal. BN has supported all of these bills.
Lead Sponsor(s): Rep. Sean Garballey, Rep Kate Hogan
Support: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, American Adoption Congress, OBC for MA–Massachusetts Access, (not affiliated with Bastard Nation)
Bill History and Actions:
March 29, 2021: Referred to Joint Committee on Public Health; Senate concurred
May 10, 2021: Hearing scheduled for Joint Committee on Public Health
September 24, 2921: Reported out favorably on H.2294/S.1440
November 4, 2021: 3rd reading; passed engrossed
######
Legiscan
SD 1142 Summary: Senate Companion to HB 1543. (See above for details)
Lead Sponsor(s): Sen. Anne Gobi
Bill History and Actions:
March 29, 2021: Referred to Joint Committee on Public Health; House concurred
May 10, 2021: Hearing scheduled for Joint Committee on Public Health
September 24, 2021: Reported out favorably on H.2294/S.1440
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***Minnesota***
Bastard Nation Minnesota State Page
SF 328 Summary: With some minor tweaks to last session’s proposal, this bill constitutes a necessary step toward dismantling a complex system that has existed in Minnesota since 1977. The bill includes unrestricted access to OBCs to all adoptees 18 and over, whose certificate was generated by the state and a genuine CPF. All Disclosure Vetoes on file will expire on June 30, 2222. A detailed memo explaining each of the sections in the Senate bill is here. A House companion will be filed soon.
Lead Sponsor(s) Sen. Jim Carlson
Submitting Group;
Support: Bastard Nation; Adoptee Rights Law Center, American Adoption Congress, Minnesota Coalition for Adoption Reform, American Adoption Congress
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions
January 25, 2021: Introduced; 1st reading; referred to Senate Civil Law and Data Practices Policy Committee
March 9, 2021: Hearing held in Senate Civil Law and Data Practices Committee. Started to go bad; pulled by proponents and sponsor. Dead.
######
HF 470 Summary: House companion to SF 378, See above for details.
Lead Sponsor: Rep Dave Baker
Bill History and Actions
January 28, 2021: Introduced; 1st reading; Referred to Judiciary, Finance and Civil Law Committee
March 9, 2021: Pulled. Dead
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***Mississippi***
Bastard Nation Mississippi Page
HB 190 Summary: Information bill, vague in places: which will release identifying information to adoptee, but apparently not the OBC. Includes (1) unrestricted access to identifying information to all adoptees at the age of 21. (2) Sunsets DVs when adoptee turns 21; (3) adoptee must request information from (any?) adoption agencies offering post-adoption services; (4) agency will search for bparent(s), tell bparents you have applied and request information from them; (5), if bparent refuses or cannot be located, identifying information, will be released to adoptee; (6) Cost not to exceed $100 per bparent. It is unclear if this bill is retroactive or prospective.
Lead Sponsor(s): Rep. Lee Yancy; Rep. Fred Shanks
Support:
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions
January 8, 2121: Referred to House Judiciary Committee, Division A
February 2, 2021: Died in Committee
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SB 2092 Summary: A certified copy of the OBC can be obtained by all adoptees born in Mississippi without conditions or restrictions, but only 18 years after the final decree was issued; thus delaying OBC release for some adoptees into their 20s and 30s. Overrides any existing vetoes. The certificate will be marked “canceled and revised.” Exact same language as SB SB 2205 below)
Lead Sponsor(s): Sen. Angela Burks Hill
Support:
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions:
January 7, 2021: Referred to Senate Judiciation Committee, Division A
February 2, 2021: Died in Committee
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SB 2205 Summary: A certified copy of the OBC can be obtained by all adoptees born in Mississippi without conditions or restrictions, but only 18 years after the final decree was issued; thus delaying OBC release for some adoptees into their 20s and 30s. Overrides any existing vetoes. The certificate will be marked “canceled and revised.” Exact same language as SB SB 2092 above) NOTE: Language needs clarification
Lead Sponsor(s): Sen.Charles Younger
Support:
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions:
January 8, 2021: Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee, Division A
February 1, 2021: Passed Judiciary Committee unanimously (seemed to think they were voting for all adoptees at 18 to be eligible to obtain their OBC)
February 5, 2021: Passed Senate
February 8, 2021: Transmitted to House
February 23, 2021: Referred to House Judiciary Committee A
March 2, 2021 House Judiciary A Committee, struck the language in the bill and substituted language from dead HB190 which will force a conference committee between the Senate and House if the amended House bill passes the full House.
March 9, 2021: Tabled, subject to all.
April 4, 2021: Dead. Cine Die
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***New Mexico***
Bastard Nation New Mexico Page
HB 209 Summary: This is a very long bill that amends the State Indian Welfare Act. that includes a right to information. A report from the HSEIC/HHHC-HSEIC Committee has been written, but not formally adopted or issued. No more information at this time.
Lead Sponsor(s): Rep. Georgene Louis
Support:
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions
February 9, 2021: Reported out of committee with Do Pass
February 26, 2021: Hearing scheduled in Health and Human Services Committee
March 1, 2021: Reported by committee with Do Not Pass but with a Do Pass recommendation on Committee Substitution
March 8, 2021: Passed in House 53-15.
March 9, 2021: Sent to Senate Judiciary Committee
March 30, 2021: Dead. Sine Die
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***New York***
A 5141 Summary: New York already enjoys full OBC rights so this bill is baffling. Official bill summary says, “Grants access to a certified copy of the birth certificate of an adopted person without requiring judicial review; requires such birth certificate to state that the certificate is a certified copy of a sealed record and is not valid for identification with the adoption facts recited.” Appears to create an “integrated birth certificate” that includes both biological and adoptive parent information, which the majority of adoptees reject. Hopefully, it won’t go anywhere.
Lead Sponsor(s): Asmb. Michael Benedetto
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation, American Adoption Congress
Bill History and Actions
February 11, 2021: Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
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***Rhode Island***
Bastard Nation Rhode Island Page
SB 250 Legislative Page (key in bill number)
SB 250: Summary: Amends the state’s OBC law to reduce the age adoptees can receive their OBC from 25 to 18. If adoptee is deceased, direct line descendants or legal representatives can also receive the OBC, Creates OBC right for adoptees at any age if born on or after July 1, 2021.
Lead Sponsor(s): Sen. Gayle Goldin; Sen Maryellen Goodwin
Support: Bastard Nation, American Adoption Congress
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions
February 10, 2021: 1st reading; referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
February 25, 2021: Senate Judiciary Committee meeting; held for further study
June 23, 2021: Proposed amended bill submitted (not online)
June 24, 2021: Hearing scheduled; probable vote
June 29, 2021: Senate Passed unanimously (age 18)
July 1, 2021: House: Passed unanimously (age 18); sent to Governor
July 8, 2021: Signed by Governor
***
H 6189 Summary: House companion to SB 250. See above for details.
Lead Sponsor(s): Rep Katherine Kazarian
Bill History and Actions
March 31, 2021: Introduced
April 6, 2021: House Judiciary Committee hearing. Held over for study
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H 6189 Sub A Summary: Amends the state’s OBC law to reduce the age adoptees can receive their OBC from 25 to 21.
Lead Sponsor( s): Rep Katherine Kazarian
Support:
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions:
June nd, 2021: Introduced
June 15, 2021: House Judiciary Committee hearing scheduled
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South Carolina
Bastard Nation South Carolina Page
HB 44566 Summary: Allows adopted people age 18 and over access to a non-certified copy of their OBC and accompanying evidence of adoption with the consent of the biological parent; applies retroactively regardless of the date on which the adoption was finalized. The bill contains confusing language. Does not say if the state will contact or attempt to contact biological parents for consent and has no mechanism regarding deceased biological parents. Contains Disclosure Veto called a Contact Preference Form; biological parents must consent to release of medical information.
Lead Sponsor(s): Rep. Robert May
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation
Bill History and Actions:
November 10, 2021: Prefiled; Referred to House Committee on Judiciary
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***Tennessee***
HB 62 Summary: Removes unconstitutional contact veto provision, in current law. but other problematic languages remains. Similar to last year’s bill that died due to Covid shutdown. The only difference from last year’s bill is a requirement that birthparents who have filed a CV be informed of a change in the law. The Adoptee Rights Law Center has compiled how the proposed changes fit into the existing law.
Lead Sponsor(s): William Lamberth (Republican Majority Leader in the Tennessee House)
Support:
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions:
January 5, 2021: Prefiled in House
January 12, 2021: Introduced; Held on desk
January 13, 2021: Referred to Civil Justice Committee
January 27, 2021: Assigned to Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee
February 17, 2021: Hearing in Children & Family Affairs Subcommittee scheduled. Meeting canceled). Placed on Children & Family Affairs Subcommittee for 2/24/2021.
February 24, 2021: Hearing in Children & Family Affairs Subcommittee; Recommended Do Pass
March 1, 2021: Passed Senate 32-0; sent to House
March 3, 2021: Hearing in Civil Justice Committee; voted Do Pass; referred to House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee
March 16, 2021: hearing scheduled for House Ways and Means Committee
March 25, 2021: Companion SB723 substituted for HB62 and passed the full House, 88-0.
March 30 3031: Sent to Governor
April 9, 2021: Signed. Law goes into effect July 1, 2022
***Texas***
HB1386 Summary: Restores the right of all Texas-born adoptees to their original pre-adoptive birth certificates, without restrictions or conditions.
Lead Sponsor(s): Rep. Cody Harris
Support: Bastard Nation, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, Adoptee Rights Law Center, American Adoption Congress, Gladney Adoptees for Rights and Equality, Texas STAR. TxCare
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions
January 26, 2021: Filed
March 17, 2021: Hearing in the House Public Health Committee; vote pending
March: House Public Health Committee votes DO PASS
April 9, 2021: 2nd reading passes. Sent to Floor for 3rd reading and vote
April 9, 2021: Passed floor vote: 144-1
April 12, 2021: Bill received by Senate
May 31, 2021: Dead. Sine die
******
SB 1877 Summary: Senate companion to HB 1386 (see above)
Lead Sponsor(s) Sen. Nathan Johnson
Bill History and Actions
March 12, 2021: Filed
March 26, 2021: Referred to Senate Jurisprudence Committee
May 31, 2021: Dead. Sine die
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***Vermont***
HB 222 Summary: proposes to establish a study committee (where bills and ideas go to die) to examine the issue of whether, in cases involving adoptions that were finalized prior to July 1, 1986, an adoptee should have a right to request and receive identifying information about the adoptee’s birth parents regardless of whether the parents consented to the disclosure of such information.
Lead Sponsor(s): Rep. Kathryn Webb
Support:
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions
February 9, 2021: 1st read; referred to Judiciary Committee
May 28, 2021: Dead. Sine Die
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***West Virginia***
Bastard Nation West Virginia Page
HB 50 Summary: Same restrictive bill as last session that went nowhere when it failed to meet committee deadlines.
- 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
Lead Sponsor(s): Sen. Bill Hamilton,
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, American Adoption Congress
Bill History and Actions
February 10, 2021: Introduced; referred to Health Senate Health and Human Resource Committee
April 10, 2021: Dead. Sine Die
######
HB 2943 Summary: Confusing bill with vague language. Requires adoptees to use of state’s mutual consent registry which also requires 1 hour of counseling before OBC can be requested. If the adoptee isn’t successful in obtaining identifying information through the registry, the clerk of courts is required to provide the OBC, but the document is actually held by the WV Department of Health unless it is already managed by the registry. Does not apply to WV-born adoptees who were adopted in another state.
Lead Sponsor(s): Rep Josh Holstein
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, American Adoption Congress
Bill History and Actions
March 5, 2021: Introduced; referred to House Judiciary Committee
April 10, 2021: Dead. Sine Die
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***Wisconsin***
Legiscan
Summary: SB 483: Provides unrestricted OBC access. for adoptees at age 18. Due to the state’s long history of amending down unrestricted bills, we believe this bill is ripe for restrictions and conditions.
Lead Sponsor(s): Sen. Andre Jacque, Sen. Alberta Darling
Support:
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions
August 5, 2021: Introduced; 1st reading
September 2, 2021: Hearing scheduled in Senate Committee for Human Services, Children, and Families canceled due to Covid illness of Sen. Jacque
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Summary: SB 524: Authorizes “offspring” of deceased adoptees to request copy of OBC and the release of other identifying information, but both bparents must be deceased. Seems to apply only for adoptees born and adopted in Wisconsin; those adopted out-of-state aren’t covered.
Lead Sponsor: various
Support:
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions
August 26, 2021: Introduced; 1st reading; referred to Senate Committee on Transportation and Local Government
September 22, 2021: Hearing held in Senate Committee on Transportation and Local Government
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AB 577
Summary: SB 524: Identical to HB 524. (See above)
Lead Sponsor: various
Support:
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions
September 22, 2021-: Introduced; 1st reading; referred to House Committee on Children and Families Government
Legislative Map: Safe Haven and Safe Haven Baby Box Bills
SAFE HAVEN BILLS
***Arizona***
HB 2070 Summary: Increases age that unharmed newborns can be Safe Havened from 72 hours to 5 days.
Lead Sponsor(s): Rep Diego Espinoza
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
Bill History and Actions:
January 27, 2021: Assigned to House Rules and Health and Service Committees
February 24, 2021: Passed House 56-0-2
February 25, 2021: Transmitted to Senate
March 2, 2021: 1st read in Senate; Assigned to Senate Judiciary and Rules Committees
March 23, 2021: Democratic and Republican Caucuses vote Yes
April 5, 2021: Passed 30-0
April 9, 2021: Signed by Governor
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***Delaware***
HB 161 Summary: Amends Delaware Safe Haven law to include police stations as drop-off locations
Lead Sponsor: Rep. Marie PInkney
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation
Bill History and Actions
June 3, 2021: Introduced; assigned to Senate Health & Social Service Committee
June 10, 2021: passed Senate 21-0
June 11, 2021: Assigned to House Health & Human Services Committee
June 16, 2021: Out of Committee. Place on Ready List
June 30, 2021: Passed
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***Indiana***
Bastard Nation Indiana State Page
HB 1230 Summary: Extends designated dumper privilege. . Provides that due to extenuating circumstances, if a child’s parent or a person is unable to give up custody of a child under the procedure set forth in Indiana’s safe haven law, the child’s parent or the person may request that an emergency medical services provider (provider) take custody of the child by: (1) dialing the 911 emergency call number; and (2) staying with the child until a provider arrives to take custody of the child. Provides that the emergency medical dispatch agency or the provider shall inform the child’s parent or the person giving up custody of the child concerning the ability to remain anonymous. 2/1/21 Amendment: Includes authorizing parents to relinquish newborn with medical staff after delivery in a hospital or other medical facility when the child’s parent notifies the medical staff that the parent is voluntarily relinquishing the child.
Lead Sponsor(s): Rep. Ryan Lauer
Support: Safe Haven Baby Boxes
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
Bill History and Actions
January 14, 2021: 1st reading; referred to House Family, Children, and Family Affairs Committee
January 28, 2021: Passed House Family, Children, and Family Affairs Committee unanimously
February 1, 2021: Amended (see above)
February 2, 2021: 3rd reading; passed House unanimously.
February 3, 2021: Referred to Senate
February 18, 2021: 1st reading: referred to Committee on Family and Children Services
March 8, 2021: Committee voted; recommended Do Pass 9-0)
March 10, 2021: 2nd reading; ordered engrossed
March 17, 2021: Returned to House with amendments
March 25, 2021: House concurred; Passed 88-0
April 22, 2021: Signed by Governor
***Minnesota***
HF 1559 Summary: Amendment to Minnesota’s Safe Haven law to mandate original birth records of Safe Havened infant, even if parents are identified, be permanently sealed and available only by court order.
Lead Sponsor: Rep. Jordan Rasmusson
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
Bill History and Actions
February 25, 2021: Introduced; Referred to House Early Childhood, Finances and Policy Committee
March 1, 2021: Re-referred to House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee
March 8, 2021: Amended; Re-referred to House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee
March 11, 2021: Adopted as amended and re-referred to House Human Service Finance and Policy Committee
May 17, 2021: Dead. Sine Die
######
SF 1726 Summary: Companion bill to HF 1559. See above for details.
Lead Sponsor: Sen. Kent Eken
Bill History and Actions
March 4, 2021: Introduced; referred to Senate Human Services Reform Finance Policy Committee
March 15, 2021: Re-referred to Senate Civil Law and Data Practice Policy Committee
May 17, 2021: Dead Sine die
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***South Carolina***
Bastard Nation South Carolina Page
HB4019 Summary: Increases the age infants may be “relinquished” under South Carolina’s Safe Haven law from 60 days to 1 year.
Lead Sponsor(s): Rep Heather Ammons Crawford
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
Bill History and Actions
March 4, 2021: Introduced; referred to House Committee on the Judiciary
April 21, 2021: Favorable vote in Judiciary Committee
April 23, 2021: 2nd reading, passed 106-0; 3rd reading; sent to Senate
April 27, 2021: Introduced in Senate; 1st reading; referred to Senate Family and Veterans Committee
May 13, 2021: Dead. Sine Die
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***Texas***
HB 683 Summary: Increases the age infants may be “relinquished” under the Texas Safe Haven/Baby Moses law from 60 days to 1 year.
Lead Sponsor(s): Rep. Ina Minjarez
Support:
Oppose: 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. Abrazo Adoption Associates
Bill History and Actions:
December 1, 2020: Prefiled
March 2, 2021: 1st read; referred to House Juvenile Justice and Family Issues Committee
March 15, 2021: House Juvenile Justice and Family Issues Committee hearing; vote pending
May 3, 2021: Failed to receive affirmative vote in committee. Dead
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***Wisconsin***
Bastard Nation Wisconsin State Page
Legiscan (NA)
LRB 3158/1 Summary: Amends Wisconsin Safe Haven law: (1) expands time frame for “surrender” from 72 hours to 30 days; (2) clarifies certain judicial and record-keeping procedures; (3) adds tribal agents to authorized SH receivers; (4) requires notification to tribal authorities when infant’s tribal affiliation is known; (5) mandates SH procedures in tribal SH cases to conform to state and federal ICWA law; (6) requires potential adopters of SH babies to sign an acknowledgment that adoption might not be finalized
Lead Sponsor(s): Sen. Barbara Dittrich
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation
Bill History and Actions:
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BABY BOX BILLS
***Florida***
Bastard Nation Florida State Page
SB 122 Summary: (Similar to last session’s bill.) Authorizes the Department of Health to approve, certain hospitals, emergency medical services stations, and fire stations to use newborn infant safety devices (safe haven baby boxes) to accept surrendered newborn infants under certain circumstances; required such hospitals, emergency medical services stations, or fire stations to physically check and test the devices at specified intervals; providing additional locations to which the prohibition on the initiation of criminal investigations based solely on the surrendering of a newborn infant applies, etc. Increases the age infants may be “relinquished” under the Florida Safe Haven/ law from 7 days to 30 days.
Lead Sponsor(s): Sen. Dennis Baxley
Support: Safe Haven Baby Boxes, Florida Voice for the Unborn
Oppose: Bastard Nation; Adoptee Rights Law Center, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition; Missouri Open; New York Adoptee Rights Coalition; A Safe Haven for Newborns, Broward County Medical Association, Florida PTA, Florida Adoption Council, Equal Access Oklahoma, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptees
Bill History and Actions:
December 4, 2020: Prefiled
December 9, 2020: Referred to Health Policy; Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services; Appropriations
January 15, 2021: Placed on- Health Policy, Committee agenda for January 27, 2021; 9:00 am,
January 20, 2021: Referred to Senate Children, Families, and Seniors Subcommittee; Health and Human Services Committee
January 27, 2021: Senate Health Policy Committee hearing; voted Do Pass 6-2
February 9, 2021: Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services hearing; voted Do Pass along party lines 7-4. Now in full Senate Appropriations Committee.
March 2, 2021: Introduced in Senate (officially)
April 19, 2021: Hearing in Senate Appropriations Committee with Baxley amendment that removed baby box language; passed 20-0
April 26, 2021: Amended bill on Senate calendar
April 30, 2021: Dead. Sine Die
NOTES: A baby box was opened in Ocala on December 14, 2020 without authorizing legislation
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HB 133 Summary: (Similar to last session’s bill.) Identical to SBO 122 (above)
Lead Sponsor(s): Rep Joe Harding (incoming, no contact information yet)
Support: Safe Haven Baby Boxes
Oppose: Bastard Nation; Adoptee Rights Law Center, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition; Missouri Open; New York Adoptee Rights Coalition; A Safe Haven for Newborns, Equal Access Oklahoma,
Bill History and Actions
December 29, 2020: Filed
January 20, 2021: Referred to Children, Families, and Seniors Subcommittee; Health and Human Services Committee
February 9, 2021: Added to House Children, Families & Seniors Subcommittee agenda
February 16, 2021: House Children, Families & Seniors Subcommittee hearing: Passed favorable
February 18, 2021: Now in Health and Human Services Committee
March 2, 2021: Introduced in House (officially)
March 9, 2021: Hearing in Health and Human Services; voted Do Pass
March 10, 2021: 1st reading
March 18, 2021: 2nd and 3red readings. Passed House 108-11.
March 30, 2021: Received by Senate; referred to Senate Rules Committee
April 30, 2021: Dead. Sine Die
NOTE: Safe Haven B baby Boxes, Inc say they will use Home Rule to put boxes in Florida
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***Illinois***
Bastard Nation Illinois State Page
Summary HB 3753: Amends the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act. Provides that a hospital that is staffed continuously on a 24-hour, 7-day a week basis to provide care to patients in an emergency shall take temporary protective custody of any newborn infant who is left in a newborn safety device that: (1) has been approved by the hospital; (2) is physically located inside the hospital; and (3) is located in an area that is conspicuous and visible to hospital staff. Provides that a fire station, emergency medical facility, or police station that is staffed by an emergency medical services provider on a 24-hour, 7-day a week basis shall take temporary protective custody of a newborn infant who is voluntarily left in a newborn safety device that: (i) is located at the fire station, emergency medical facility, or police station; (ii) is located in an area that is conspicuous and visible to staff; etc.
Lead Sponsor(s): Rep.Adam Niemerg
Support: Safe Haven Baby Boxes
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Missouri Open, New York Adoptee Rights Coalition, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, A Safe Place for Babies Foundation, Equal Access Oklahoma, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptees. Chicago Bar Association, National Safe haven Alliance
Bill History and Actions
February 19, 2021: Filed
February 22: 1st reading, referred to House Rules Committee
March 16, 2021: Assigned to House Human Services Committee
March 27, 2021: Re-referred to House Rules Committee
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***Indiana***
Bastard Nation Indiana State Page
Summary HB 1032: Conforming amendments to already existing law. Provides for placement of a newborn safety device at any fire department, including a volunteer fire department, that is located within the jurisdiction of a city or town law enforcement agency, provided the newborn safety device is equipped with an alert system that: (1) when the newborn safety device is opened, automatically connects to the 911 system and transmits a request for immediate dispatch of an emergency medical services provider to the location of the newborn safety device; and (2) is tested at least one time per month to ensure the alert system is in working order. Provides that a person who in good faith voluntarily leaves a child in a newborn safety device located at such a facility or fire station is not obligated to disclose the parent’s name or the person’s name. Makes conforming amendments. Conforming amendments to already existing law.
Lead Sponsor(s): Rep. Randall Frye
Support: Safe Haven Baby Boxes
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
Bill History and Actions
January 4, 2021: Filed.1st reading. Referred to House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Public Safety
January 14, 2021: referred to House Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee
January 27, 2121: Hearing in House Family, Children, and Human Affairs Committee; passed unanimously
February 1, 2021: 2nd reading; engrossed
February 2, 2021: 3rd reading; passed unanimously by House
February 18, 2021: 1st reading: referred to Committee of Family and Children Services
March 30, 2021: Committee report: amend do pass,
April 1, 2021: 2nd reading; ordered engrossed
April 7, 2021: Returned to House with amendments
April 12, 2021: Passed 49-0; returned to House for concurrence
April 14, 2021: House concurred in Senate amendments, 88-0
April 29, 2021: Signed by Governor
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***Kentucky***
Bastard Nation Kentucky Page
Summary HB 155: Amends KRS 405.075 to define and allow the use of a “newborn safety device” related to the anonymous surrendering of a newborn infant in the Commonwealth at a participating staffed police station, staffed fire station, or a staffed hospital. Requires box to be inside the authorized facility.
Lead Sponsor(s): Rep. Nancy Tate;
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Laws Center, Missouri Open, New York Adoptee Rights Coalition, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, Equal Access Oklahoma, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptees
Bill History and Actions
January 11, 2021: Introduced; referred to House Committee on Committees
February 10, 2021: Assigned to House Health and Family Services Committee
February 11, 2021: Reassigned to House Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection Committee
February 24, 2021: House Veterans, Military Affairs & Public Protection Committee voted Do Pass
February 25, 2021: Posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day, February 26.
March 3, 2021: 3rd reading; Passed House 96-0
March 4, 2021: Assigned to Senate Veterans, Military Affairs & Public Protection Committee
March 11, 2021: Senate Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection Committee. Voted Do Pass.
March 18, 2021: 3rd reading passed. Sent to Governor
March 25, 2021: Signed by Governor
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***Louisiana***
Bastard Nation Louisiana Page
Summary HB 219: Authorizes the installation and use of newborn safety devices at infant relinquishment sites designated in the Safe Haven Law. (Details pending)
Lead Sponsor(s): Rep. Mike Huval
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Missouri Open, New Adoptee Rights Coalition, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, Equal Access Oklahoma, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptees, Louisiana March of Dimes
Bill History and Action
March 25, 2021: Pre-filed ; Under the rules, provisionally referred to the Committee on Health and Welfare.
April 12, 2021: Referred to Committee on Health and Welfare
May 10, 2021: Reported with amendments, 10-0
May 18, 2021: 3rd reading; Passed House 89-0
May 20, 2021: Committee on Health and Welfare. hearing. Do Pass 14-0
June 8, 2021: Passed by Senate
June 21, 2021: Signed by Governor
August 1, 2021: Effective date
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***Maine***
Summary LD 560: Amends the safe haven laws regarding abandoned children by including a safe haven baby box to the list of safe havens that a person may deliver a newborn child to under the Child and Family Services and Child Protection Act and to serve as an affirmative defense to the criminal offense of abandonment of a child. A safe haven baby box is a device or container that can safely accept delivery of a newborn child that is located in a hospital, law enforcement facility or fire department facility that is staffed 24 hours a day by a medical services provider.
Lead Sponsor(s: Rep Patrick N Corey
Support: Safe Haven Baby Boxes
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Missouri Open, New Adoptee Rights Coalition, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, Equal Access Oklahoma, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptees
Bill History and Actions
February 22, 2021: Filed; referred to House Judiciary Committee\
March 17, 2021: Public hearing House Judiciary Committee. Not reported out.
March 30 30, 2021: Carried over, in the same posture, to a subsequent special or regular session of the 130th Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 435
June 15, 2021: passed House Judiciary
July 2, 2021: Passed
July 15, 2021: Effective (without governor’s signature)
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***Michigan***
In 2018 the Michigan Legislature passed a bill to authorize the use of newborn safety devices, aka Safe Haven bab Boxes. Governor Rick Snyder vetoed the bill. Here is his veto letter.
Summary SB 0708: Authorizes use of ‘newborn safety devices” to be used in Safe Haven surrenders.
Lead Sponsor: Sen. Paul Wonjo
Support: Safe Haven Baby Boxes
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Missouri Open, New Adoptee Rights Coalition, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, Equal Access Oklahoma, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptee
Bill History and Actions
October 28, 2021: Introduced; Referred to Senate Committee on Families, Seniors, and Veterans
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Summary SB 0709: Extends state law regarding reporting deaths to include the death of an infant born alive and surrendered under safety device law. The deceased infant shall be listed as “Baby Doe” and no information that would directly identify the deceased infant or the deceased infant’s parents shall be reported,
Lead Sponsor: Sen. Curt VanderWall
Support:
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions
October 28, 2021: Introduced; Referred to Senate Committee on Families, Seniors, and Veterans
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Summary SB 0710: Modifies definition of newborn and allows surrender to a newborn safety device.
Lead Sponsor: Sen. Curt VandnerWall
Support: Safe Haven Baby Boxes
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Missouri Open, New Adoptee Rights Coalition, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, Equal Access Oklahoma, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptee
Bill History and Actions
October 28, 2021: Introduced; Referred to Senate Committee on Families, Seniors, and Veterans
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***Missouri***
Summary HB 76: Authorizes the use of baby boxes in the state. Infants can be up to 45 days in age. The bill is badly written tacking on baby boxes to existing safe haven law. Apparently, boxes could be installed at hospitals, fire station, maternity homes, and “pregnancy resource centers/”
Lead Sponsor(s): Rep. Jim Murphy
Support:
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Missouri Open, New Adoptee Rights Coalition, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition, Equal Access Oklahoma, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptees
Bill History and Actions
December 1, 2020: Prefiled
January 6, 2021: 1st read
January 7, 2021: 2nd read
January 28, 2021: Referred to House Children and Families Committee
February 3, 2021: Hearing (no further information)
February 10, 2021: Voted Do Pass; referred to Consent and House Procedures
February 23, 2021: Consent and House Procedures Committee voted Do Pass
March 4, 2021: Perfected in Consent
March 24, 2021: 3rd reading; Passed House 151-1; sent to Senate
April 8, 2021: 2nd reading; referred to House Seniors, Families, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee
April 28, 2021: Public hearingi House Seniors, Families, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee
May 5, 2021: Voted Do Pass
May 21, 2021: Dead. Sine Die
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***New Mexico***
Bastard Nation New Mexico Page
HB 18 Summary: Amends state’s safe haven law to allow for Safe Haven Baby Box “relinquishment” for infants 90 days old or younger. States specifically and in detail that the amendment “is not intended to abridge the rights or obligations created by the federal Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 or the rights of parents.” Includes detailed requirements regarding box installation and upkeep.
Lead Sponsor(s) : Rep. Ambrose Castellano Rep. Roger E. Montoya
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
Bill History and Actions
February 2, 2021: Introduced. referred to House Health and Human Services Committee
March 30, 2021: Dead. Sine Die
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***Oklahoma***
Summary SB 960: The CS for SB 960 extends the age at which a child may be relinquished to medical services providers or child rescuers from 7 days to 30 days of age. Such relinquishments are to be considered an affirmative defense in child abandonment cases. The CS provides for such
relinquishments to be effectuated by an in-person transfer of the child to the medical services
provider or child rescuer or by leaving the child in a newborn safety device that meets certain
criteria. Providers or rescuers that install such a device shall be responsible for the cost of
installation and maintenance. directs the State Department of Health to award grants to
organizations that provide healthcare services to mothers and infants for the purpose of reducing
the rates of maternal mortality and infant mortality by 3% within the 5 years of the measure’s
effective date.
Lead Sponsor(s: Sen Greg Treat, Rep McCall
Support: Safe Haven Baby Boxes
Oppose: Bastard Nation, Adoptee Rights Law Center, Equal Access Oklahoma, Oklahoma Original Birth Certificates for All Adult Adoptees, Missouri Open, New York Adoptee Rights Coalition, Texas Adoptee Rights Coalition
Bill History and Actions
January 28, 2121: Introduced
February 21, 2021: 1st reading
February 2. 2021: 2nd reading; Referred to House Health and Human Services Committee
February 22, 2021: House Health and Human Services Committee recommends Do Pass
March 10, 2021: Senate Floor Vote: Passed 41-6.
March 11, 2021: House: 1st reading; engrossed in House
March 22, 2021: Referred to Senate Rules Committee
March 30, 2021: Rules Committee hearing. Not heard.
April 19, 2021: Withdrawn from Rules Committee; sent to Floor.
April 21, 2021: Passed House 70-15; returned to Senate
April 22, 2021: Sent to governor
April 27, 2021: Signed by Governor
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***Oregon***
Summary HB 2643: Modifies safe haven law to allow parent to anonymously leave infant in newborn safety device. .Allows authorized facility to install newborn safety device. Prescribes standards for newborn safety devices. Requires box to be inside the authorized facility that is
conspicuous and visible to the employees of the authorized facility;
Lead Sponsor(s): Rep. Bill Post
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
Bill History and Actions
January 11, 2021: 1st reading; referred to Speaker’s desk
ND: Placed in House Human Services Committee
June 25, 2021: Dead. Sine Die
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***Texas***
Summary SB 443: Authorizes the use of baby boxes in the state inside of designated facilities. Infants can be up to 60 days in age. (Note: proposed HB 683 increases the age of Safe Haven “relinquishment ” to 1 year)
Lead Sponsor(s): Sen. Bryan Hughes
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, Abrazo Adoption Associates
Bill History and Actions
January 23, 2021: Filed; Referred to Senate Secretary
March 9, 2021: Referred to Senate Health and Human Services
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Summary HB 1843: House companion bill to SB 443. (see above for details)
Lead Sponsor(s): Rep. Cole Hefner
Bill History and Actions
February 11, 2021: Filed
March 11, 2021: Referred to House Human Services Committee
March 23, 2021: Human Services Public hearing; vote left pending
May 31, 2021: Dead. Sine Die
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***Virginia***
Summary HB 1371: Safe haven protections; newborn safety device. Provides an affirmative defense in certain criminal prosecutions and civil proceedings regarding child abuse or neglect to a parent who safely delivers his child within the first 14 days of the child’s life to a newborn safety device located at a hospital that provides 24-hour emergency services or at an attended emergency medical services agency that employs emergency medical services personnel. The bill also provides civil and criminal immunity to such hospitals and emergency medical services agencies for injuries to children received through such newborn safety devices, provided that (i) the injuries are not the result of gross negligence or willful misconduct and (ii) the hospital or emergency medical services agency meets certain requirements regarding the establishment, functioning, and testing of the device.
Lead Sponsor(s): Sen. Frank Ruff
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
Bill History and Actions
January 11, 2021: Prefiled; offered; referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
January 13, 2021: Referred to Senate Committee on the Judiciary
January 27, 2021: Passed by indefinitely in Judiciary (13-Y 1-N)
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FEDERAL BILLS
Bastard Nation Adoptee Citizenship Page
Adoptee Citizenship Act of 2021
HB1593 Summary: Reintroduction of the Adoptee Citizenship Act of 2019-2020., Will grant automatic citizenship to most cross-country adoptees to the US-born before February 27, 1983. Those born after that date are covered by the federal Child Citizenship Act ofo 2000. See the Bastard Nation Analysis of the 2019-2020 bill for more information. We will update that analysis soon.
Lead Sponsor(s) Rep. Adam Smith
Support:: This bill is supported by dozens of organizations throughout the US. See BN’s analysis of the 2019-2020 bill for a list as well as Adoptees4Justice and Adoptee Rights Campaign pages linked from our Citizenship page.
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions
March 3, 2021: Introduced; referred to House Judiciary
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The Safe Home Act (Adoptee Re-homing)
HB Legislative Page
Summary:
Lead Sponsor(s):
Support:
Oppose:
Bill History and Actions
Updated: November 26, 2021
