Bill > HB550

This bill amends Virginia state law to grant adult adoptees (18 years and older) direct access to their original birth certificates. Currently, original birth certificates for adopted individuals are sealed and not easily accessible. The bill modifies two sections of the Virginia Code (§32.1-261 and §63.2-1246) to allow adult adoptees to request their original birth certificate from the State Registrar upon providing proof of identification. The legislation removes previous restrictions that required adoptees to go through a complex process involving the Commissioner of Social Services or seek a court order to obtain their original birth certificate. The bill streamlines the process by allowing adult adoptees to directly request their original birth certificate from the State Registrar, who may charge a reasonable fee to cover the costs of processing and providing the document. This change aims to provide adopted individuals greater transparency and access to their personal history and biological origins, acknowledging the importance of personal identity and genealogical information for adult adoptees.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?251+sum+HB550