Bill > H0047

This bill amends Idaho's adoption record laws to improve access for adult adoptees to their original birth certificates and adoption records. The legislation reflects a policy intention to help individuals understand their genetic origins and personal family history. Specifically, for adoptions occurring on or after July 1, 2022, the bill allows adult adoptees (18 years or older) to request their original birth certificate, medical information, and adoption report through a voluntary adoption registration process. If a birth parent is registered, there is a 30-day waiting period during which the birth parent can: indicate a preferred contact method, request no contact, or request that their name be redacted from the records (with this redaction lasting five years). The bill also ensures that the new birth certificate will demonstrate the natural or adoptive parentage of each parent. The legislation aims to balance the adoptee's right to know their origins with the birth parents' privacy preferences, and it will go into full effect on July 1, 2025. Important terms like "bureau of vital records and health statistics" refer to the state agency responsible for maintaining birth and adoption records.

Justice

Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee (H)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0047/