Bill > LD408

This bill modifies Maine's vital records law to allow unaccompanied and emancipated minors to access their own vital records more easily and at no cost. Specifically, the bill defines an "unaccompanied minor" as a person under 18 who is not accompanied by a parent or guardian when requesting their records, and an "emancipated minor" as an individual legally declared emancipated through a court order. The law permits these minors to obtain certified or non-certified copies of their vital records either for themselves or through written permission to certain authorized parties, such as emergency shelter directors, runaway youth services organizations, social workers, school administrators, or teachers who are providing services to the minor. Importantly, the state registrar is required to provide these vital records to unaccompanied or emancipated minors free of charge, removing potential financial barriers that might prevent young people in challenging circumstances from accessing important documentation about their identity.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=408&snum=132