Bill > HB0102

This bill amends Tennessee's adoption records law by lowering the age at which adopted individuals can access certain sealed adoption records and related documents from 21 to 18 years old. The legislation expands access to adoption records for adopted persons and their representatives, including provisions for adoptive parents and department representatives to obtain records under specific circumstances, such as investigating potential child abuse or neglect. The bill also clarifies conditions for accessing identifying information, including provisions for cases involving biological parents who were victims of rape or incest, and allows lineal descendants to petition for access to records under certain conditions. Additionally, the bill modifies notification requirements for search and contact requests involving adopted persons, ensuring that such requests are handled appropriately for individuals who are 18 or older or are legally emancipated. These changes aim to provide more transparency and easier access to adoption records for adopted individuals while maintaining protections for biological parents and children. The amendments will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0102&ga=114