Bill > HB395

This bill amends Kentucky law regarding birth certificates for adopted children, making several key changes to how birth certificates are created and managed after an adoption. The bill allows for more flexibility in birth certificate creation, specifically permitting the names of deceased biological parents to be included on the new birth certificate if requested by the court, adoptive parents, or the adopted child. Currently, birth certificates for adopted children under 18 do not reveal the adoption and show only the adoptive parents as biological parents. The bill directs the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to create a new birth certificate form through administrative regulations that can include both adoptive and deceased biological parents' names. The legislation maintains strict confidentiality of adoption court records, ensuring that adoption files remain sealed and can only be accessed under specific court orders. Additionally, the bill standardizes the process for creating new birth certificates, specifying that they should include the adopted child's new name, the adoptive parents' names, and potentially other relevant information like birth location, hospital, and attending medical professional. The bill aims to provide greater transparency and options for families navigating the adoption process while preserving the privacy and legal protections of all parties involved.

Health and Social Services

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25RS/hb395.html