Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF268

Introduced
2/13/23  
Introduced
2/13/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the addition of biological parent information of an adult adopted person through amendment of an original certificate of birth, and providing fees.(Formerly HF 60; See HF 720.)

Impact

The implementation of HF268 could have significant implications for state laws regarding the recording of vital statistics, particularly concerning adopted individuals. By facilitating the amendment of birth certificates, the bill aims to enhance the rights of adopted persons to access information about their biological parentage. This aligns with growing sentiments about the importance of transparency and seeking one's roots in adopted individuals, reflecting a societal shift towards openness in adoption-related matters.

Summary

House File 268 (HF268) addresses the process by which adult adopted individuals in Iowa can amend their original birth certificates to include omitted biological parent information. The bill explicitly allows an adopted person, who is at least 18 years old and whose original birth certificate has been replaced by a new one due to adoption, to apply for amendments. This amendment would permit the addition of the biological parent's name that was originally left out of the birth certificate.

Contention

Notably, the bill requires that a sworn affidavit and substantiating evidence must be provided to prove the biological relationship when amending the birth certificate. This requirement, while intended to protect against fraudulent claims, could raise concerns over privacy rights for biological parents who may or may not want their information disclosed. Conversations around the bill highlight a tension between the rights of adopted persons seeking information and the privacy of biological parents, potentially leading to public debates about the ethical implications of such amendments.

Companion Bills

IA HF60

Similar To A bill for an act relating to the addition of biological parent information of an adult adopted person through amendment of an original certificate of birth, and providing fees.(See HF 268, HF 720.)

IA SF187

Similar To A bill for an act relating to the addition of biological parent information of an adult adopted person through amendment of an original certificate of birth, and providing fees.(See SF 517.)

IA SF517

Similar To A bill for an act relating to the addition of biological parent information of an adult adopted person through reestablishment of an original certificate of birth, and providing fees. (Formerly SF 187.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA HF720

Similar To A bill for an act relating to the addition of biological parent information of an adult adopted person through reestablishment of an original certificate of birth, and providing fees.(Formerly HF 268, HF 60.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF60

A bill for an act relating to the addition of biological parent information of an adult adopted person through amendment of an original certificate of birth, and providing fees.(See HF 268, HF 720.)

IA HF720

A bill for an act relating to the addition of biological parent information of an adult adopted person through reestablishment of an original certificate of birth, and providing fees.(Formerly HF 268, HF 60.)

IA SF187

A bill for an act relating to the addition of biological parent information of an adult adopted person through amendment of an original certificate of birth, and providing fees.(See SF 517.)

IA SF517

A bill for an act relating to the addition of biological parent information of an adult adopted person through reestablishment of an original certificate of birth, and providing fees. (Formerly SF 187.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA SB00890

An Act Providing Certain Adult Adopted Persons With Access To Parental Health Information And Their Original Birth Certificates.

IA SB00293

An Act Providing Certain Adult Adopted Persons With Access To Parental Health Information And Information In Their Original Birth Certificates.

IA SB00296

An Act Providing Certain Adult Adopted Persons With Access To Parental Health Information And Information In Their Original Birth Certificate.

IA HB05144

An Act Concerning Access To Birth Certificates And Parental Health Information For Adopted Persons.

IA HB06105

An Act Concerning Access To Original Birth Certificates By Adult Adopted Persons.

IA HF398

A bill for an act relating to adoption proceedings by providing for representation of adoptive parents and guardians ad litem by local public defenders for children in certain adoption proceedings and modifying filing requirements for adoption petitions and notice requirements for adoption hearings of adults. (Formerly HF 61.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

Similar Bills

TX SB1277

Relating to birth records of adopted children.

TX SB499

Relating to birth records of adopted children.

TX HB4470

Relating to birth records of adopted children.

TX HB2968

Relating to birth records of adopted children.

TX SB287

Relating to birth records of adopted children.

TX SB912

Relating to birth records of adopted children.

LA HB1028

Provides relative to certain birth records (RE INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA SB231

Provides relative to certain birth records. (gov sig)