Bill > HB1887

This bill modifies Texas Health and Safety Code Section 192.008 to allow adopted individuals born in Texas to access their original birth certificates under certain conditions. Specifically, an adopted person can request a noncertified copy of their original birth certificate after turning 18 years old, provided a supplementary birth certificate was issued and the person can prove their identity. The bill applies to the adopted person themselves, or if the adopted person is deceased, to their adult descendants, adult siblings, surviving spouse, or adoptive parents. The state registrar will charge the standard fee for issuing a noncertified birth certificate and must process the request within the same timeframe as other birth certificate requests. Importantly, the state registrar is not required to implement these new provisions until July 1, 2026, and the bill will take effect on September 1, 2025. The underlying goal appears to be increasing transparency and access to personal historical records for adopted individuals while maintaining safeguards to protect the confidentiality of adoption placements.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1887