Provides for a window of eighteen months for people to receive birth, death, marriage, and dissolution of marriage records without paying a fee.
Impact
The proposed changes under A08214 are significant as they amend existing provisions that typically require fees for obtaining vital records. The bill focuses on reducing expenses for individuals requesting essential documents, which can be critical for identity verification, employment, or access to services. By allowing vital records to be obtained without fees for a defined timeframe, the bill addresses issues of equity and health access, promoting a more inclusive approach to public health records in New York.
Summary
Bill A08214 introduces changes to New York's public health law and domestic relations law by allowing individuals to receive certain vital records such as birth, death, marriage, and dissolution of marriage certifications without incurring any fees for a limited period of 18 months. The bill aims to make vital records more accessible to residents, particularly for those who may face financial barriers. This effort is presented as a means to enhance public health documentation and facilitate record accessibility for all citizens.
Contention
While the bill addresses vital needs for access to important records, there may be concerns around its implementation and the potential administrative burden this places on health departments. Critics may argue that waiving fees could impact local revenue streams that fund the management of vital records. Proponents will likely emphasize the societal benefits of increased access to essential documents and equity in public health, pointing out that these measures are pivotal during times when individuals may be seeking jobs or government assistance, where proof of identity and status is crucial.
Requires a certified copy or certified transcript of a birth record, death record, certificate of marriage, or certificate of dissolution of marriage to be issued to the child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of a deceased person upon request; removes requirement for such individuals to obtain a court order for issuance of such records.
Provides that an applicant for a one-day marriage officiant license must apply for such license in the same town or city clerk's office that issued the marriage license for the couple to be married.
Permits the witnessing and solemnization of a marriage ceremony and the issuance of a marriage license application or marriage license to be performed utilizing audio-video technology provided certain conditions are met.
Authorizes certain military personnel who are scheduled to be deployed within thirty days to get married within twenty-four hours of receiving a marriage license.
Relates to requirements for licensure of mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists and providing mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists authority to give diagnosis.
Provides for limited credit time allowances for working in the horse handling program for a period of no less than eighteen months and receipt of a certification from the Groom Elite program.