Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SSB3194

Introduced
3/25/24  
Introduced
3/25/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the correction and substitution of death certificates.(See SF 2430.)

Impact

The proposed legislation is significant as it seeks to streamline the process for correcting death certificates, which is essential for public records accuracy. This amendment to Section 144.26 of the Code of Iowa may reduce the bureaucratic hurdles individuals face when trying to rectify errors on death certificates, which can have repercussions for legal proceedings, inheritance rights, and other administrative matters involving the deceased. By allowing amendments to be made within a year, it holds promise for improving the responsiveness of the health department to citizens' issues.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 3194 aims to address the correction and substitution of death certificates in the state of Iowa. The bill stipulates that when substantiated evidence of an error is presented to the state registrar within twelve months of the filing of a death certificate, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must provide for its correction or substitution. This process ensures that death certificates can be amended within a specified period upon validation of the claim, contributing to the accuracy of official records.

Contention

However, some points of contention may arise regarding the implications of allowing corrections and substitutions of death certificates. Stakeholders might debate the sufficiency of the twelve-month timeframe for presenting evidence, as well as concerns over potential misuse of the provisions for amending death records. There may also be discussions around establishing adequate safeguards to ensure that the process is not exploited while still providing justice and clarity for families dealing with the loss of loved ones.

Companion Bills

IA SF2430

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to the correction and substitution of death certificates. (Formerly SSB 3194.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

Previously Filed As

IA SF2430

A bill for an act relating to the correction and substitution of death certificates. (Formerly SSB 3194.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA SF2254

A bill for an act relating to the accurate completion and the correction of death certificates.

IA SF602

A bill for an act relating to modification and substitution of a death certificate based on information obtained from a brain autopsy.

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 HF268

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.)

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 HB1688

Vital records; vital statistics; definition; corrections; birth certificates; death certificates; fetal death certificates; effective date; emergency.

IA SSB1117

A bill for an act relating to the certificate of need process.(See SF 506.)

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 SSB3170

A bill for an act relating to the right to try Act.(See SF 2323.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.