Bill > HB4611

This bill amends several provisions of the Texas Family Code related to voluntary adoption and birth parent registries, with the primary goal of modernizing and simplifying the registration and search processes. The bill makes key changes such as requiring the vital statistics unit to provide registry search results within 10 business days, allowing electronic online application submissions, removing registration fees, and adding an option to provide an email address during registration. The bill eliminates previous requirements for mandatory counseling before information disclosure and removes provisions about inquiry fees. Additionally, the bill mandates that the administrator attempt to contact a registrant by email if a match is found but name or address discrepancies prevent confirmation. The changes aim to make the adoption and birth parent registry process more accessible, streamlined, and technologically current, with provisions taking effect on September 1, 2025. These modifications should make it easier for adoptees, birth parents, and siblings to search for and potentially connect with biological relatives while maintaining appropriate privacy protections.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB4611