Modifies provisions relating to the disclosure of information contained in vital records
Impact
With the enactment of HB838, only limited information concerning births and deaths will be made available to the public. Specifically, the bill allows for the public disclosure of names and dates of individuals who are born or die on a specific date, whereas any further information will remain confidential. There is also provision for the department to authorize disclosures for legitimate research purposes, reflecting a balance between maintaining privacy and allowing for necessary research activities that may require access to vital records.
Summary
House Bill 838 aims to modify the existing laws surrounding the disclosure of information contained in vital records in the state of Missouri. The bill intends to repeal the current provisions represented in section 193.245 and replace them with new stipulations intended to streamline and clarify how and when information from vital records can be disclosed. The key changes involve restrictions on the inspection and disclosure of vital records, ensuring that sensitive information is only shared under specific circumstances clearly defined by the law.
Contention
One of the notable aspects of the bill that could lead to contention is the balance it seeks to create between public access to information and the privacy rights of individuals. While proponents of the bill may argue that restricting access helps safeguard personal information, advocates for open records may contend that such limitations could hinder research and the ability of families to obtain critical information for various legal and societal purposes. The debate may revolve around the effectiveness of these regulations in protecting privacy while still providing transparency where necessary.