Bill > SB1267

This bill amends Tennessee's adoption records laws to lower the age at which adopted individuals can access sealed adoption records from 21 to 18 years old. The legislation makes several key changes to how adoption records can be accessed and shared, including allowing adoptive parents of minors and department representatives to access records under specific circumstances, such as investigating potential child abuse or neglect. The bill also provides new provisions for accessing identifying information when a biological parent is deceased, particularly in cases where the parent was a victim of rape or incest. Additionally, the law expands the ability of lineal descendants to petition for access to records in certain situations, such as when a biological parent has a court-appointed conservator. The changes aim to provide more flexibility and transparency in accessing adoption records while still protecting the privacy and rights of all parties involved. The new law is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving state agencies and stakeholders time to prepare for the implementation of these modifications to existing adoption record regulations.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1267&ga=114