HLS 24RS-916 ORIGINAL
2024 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 40
BY REPRESENTATIVE BAYHAM
VITAL RECORDS/BIRTH CERT: Requests the Vital Records Registry to effectuate the
provisions of R.S. 40:34.2
1 A RESOLUTION
2To urge and request the Vital Records Registry to effectuate the provisions of R.S. 40:34.2
3 regarding the recordation of the correct surname on birth certificates.
4 WHEREAS, in Hispanic culture, each person has two surnames with the first
5surname coming from the father and the second surname coming from the mother; and
6 WHEREAS, the purpose of Act No. 645 from the 2022 Regular Session was to allow
7Hispanic families to follow their customs regarding surnames; and
8 WHEREAS, R.S. 40:34.2(2)(e) provides that if the mother or the father whose
9surname may be given to a child possesses both a paternal and maternal surname according
10to national custom or practice, the surname of the child may be consistent with the national
11custom or practice of the mother or father; and
12 WHEREAS, the Vital Records Registry is to respond to statutory mandates related
13to the collection, maintenance, issuance, and preservation of birth, death, fetal death,
14marriage, and other vital events; and
15 WHEREAS, it is important for individuals to uphold and embrace their cultural
16customs.
17 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
18Legislature of Louisiana does hereby urge and request the Vital Records Registry to
19effectuate the provisions of R.S. 40:34.2 to allow Hispanic families to register their surnames
20consistent with their customs.
Page 1 of 2 HLS 24RS-916 ORIGINAL
HR NO. 40
1 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
2State Registrar Office of Vital Records.
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HR 40 Original 2024 Regular Session Bayham
Requests the Vital Records Registry to effectuate the provisions of R.S. 40:34.2 regarding
the recordation of the correct surname on birth certificates.
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