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WI SB52
WI SB52Copies of and inspection or disclosure of information contained in certain vital records. (FE)
summary
Introduced
02/21/2025
02/21/2025
In Committee
02/21/2025
02/21/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
03/23/2026
03/23/2026
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Current state vital records law contains provisions addressing the issuance and copying of and inspection or disclosure of information contained in vital records and in certain circumstances, distinguishes between records for events before and after October 1, 1907. This bill changes the distinguishing date in those circumstances from the fixed date in 1907 to instead allow expanded authority to inspect or disclose information contained in or copy a vital record if the event that is the subject of the record took place at least 100 years ago. More specifically, the authority to issue, copy, or allow inspection or disclosure of information contained in a vital record specified under current law based on whether the event that is the subject of the record occurred before or after October 1, 1907, would, under the bill, instead be triggered by whether the event took place before or on or after January 1 of the year that is 100 years prior to the date of the request or, in the case of certain photocopies, the date of the issuance of the uncertified copy of the vital record—a date that will automatically advance as time progresses. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. LRB-0348/1 SWB:emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 52
AI Summary
This bill modifies existing Wisconsin state law regarding the inspection, disclosure, and copying of vital records by changing the historical cutoff date from October 1, 1907, to a rolling 100-year timeframe. Specifically, the bill allows greater access to vital records for events that occurred at least 100 years ago, with the specific date automatically advancing as time progresses. Under the current law, there were restrictions on accessing vital records for events after September 30, 1907, particularly for births where the mother was unmarried. The new legislation replaces this fixed date with a flexible 100-year rule, meaning that as of the date of a request, any vital record from 100 or more years ago can be more readily inspected, disclosed, or copied. This change applies to various types of vital records, including birth records and uncertified photocopies. The bill maintains existing provisions that require a direct and tangible interest or a court order for accessing more recent records, ensuring privacy protections for more contemporary vital records while expanding historical access for genealogical, research, and other legitimate purposes.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (5)
Last Action
Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1 (on 03/23/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb52 |
| SB52 ROCP for Committee on Transportation and Local Government | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/records/senate/transportation_and_local_government/1984906.pdf |
| Fiscal Note - SB52: Fiscal Estimate From DHS | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/sb52/sb52_dhs.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB52.pdf |
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