Bill > HB0333

This bill amends existing Utah law regarding access to adoption records, primarily by expanding the rights of adoptees and clarifying procedures for sealing records. Specifically, it allows adult adoptees to access their adoption records, including the report of adoption, original birth certificate, findings of fact, and final decree of adoption, regardless of when the adoption occurred, provided the adoptee is 18 years or older and the physical addresses of the birth parent are redacted. It also modifies the process for birth parents to petition the court to keep these records sealed, requiring them to demonstrate a reasonable fear of harm from an individual to extend the sealing for 10-year periods, and clarifies that birth parents themselves cannot access adoption records. The bill also makes technical changes to the process for intervening in adoption proceedings and sets an effective date of May 6, 2026.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0333.html