Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Bill HB39

Introduced
2/4/25  

Caption

Putative father registry; certain information available to attorneys for adoption purposes

Impact

If passed, HB39 will impact various state laws and procedures associated with acknowledgment and contestation of paternity in adoption contexts. The bill stipulates that the Department of Human Resources will maintain confidentiality about registry information, except when shared with authorized attorneys for the particular aim of adoption. This change could lead to a greater awareness and involvement by putative fathers in adoption processes, ensuring their rights and potential claims are addressed appropriately.

Summary

House Bill 39 seeks to amend the existing Code of Alabama regarding the putative father registry. Under current law, the Department of Human Resources is required to provide certain information from the registry only to courts that request it. This bill proposes to extend this access, allowing licensed attorneys to obtain similar information under specific circumstances related to the adoption of a child. Such a modification aims to bridge communication and procedural gaps that may exist for attorneys advocating on behalf of putative fathers during adoption proceedings.

Contention

Notably, some may raise concerns regarding the implications of expanding access to registry information. Proponents argue that this ensures that putative fathers are not overlooked in adoption proceedings, potentially safeguarding their rights and responsibilities. However, opponents might caution against any unintended consequences that could arise from increased access, such as risks of misinformation or misuse of sensitive data. Furthermore, while advancements are made toward providing transparency and access, the balance of protecting individuals’ privacy must also be critically assessed.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL HB465

Putative father registry, certain information deemed public record

AL HB80

Abortion; authorized to preserve health of mother; father of unborn child required to pay for certain abortion costs; district judge authorized to excuse father from payment if father undergoes vasectomy

AL HB90

Abortion; authorized to preserve health of mother or if pregnancy result of rape or incest; man convicted of rape or incest required to pay for abortion and undergo vasectomy; mother of unborn child who undergoes abortion to preserve her health authorized to petition to require father of unborn child to pay for certain abortion costs; judge authorized to excuse father from payment if he undergoes vasectomy

AL SB237

Child support, retroactivity provided for in certain circumstances

AL SB213

Data privacy; required notifications, registration, and security methods for consumer data brokers provided

AL HB266

Assault weapons, to prohibit possession and transfer in certain circumstances, provide for registration

AL SB293

Tort Reform, to regulate litigation financing agreements, vicarious liability of employers, proof of medical care expenses, and attorney advertising

AL HB420

Tort Reform, to regulate litigation financing agreements, vicarious liability of employers, proof of medical care expenses, and attorney advertising

AL HB437

Class 1 municipalities, (Birmingham), vacant property registration ordinance, city council may adopt, fees, liens for noncompliance

AL SB112

Alabama Business and Nonprofit Entities Code; amended to delete references to Alabama Nonprofit Corporation Law, clarify and streamline certain provisions in accordance with changes in Delaware law and the Model Business Corporation Act

Similar Bills

DE HB342

An Act To Amend Titles 11 And 24 Of The Delaware Code Relating To The Voluntary Firearms Do-not-sell Registry Act.

TX HB772

Relating to the immunization data included in and excluded from the immunization registry.

TX HB465

Relating to the immunization data included in and excluded from the immunization registry.

TX HB172

Relating to the immunization data included in and excluded from the immunization registry.

TX SB342

Relating to the immunization data included in and excluded from the immunization registry.

TX SB46

Relating to the immunization data included in and excluded from the immunization registry.

TX HB772

Relating to the immunization data included in and excluded from the immunization registry.

CA AB1268

Franchise Tax Board: returns: organ donor elections and data sharing.