North Dakota House Bill HB1326

North Dakota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/11/23
• Report Pass: 1/27/23
• Engrossed: 2/1/23
• Refer: 2/10/23
• Report Pass: 3/10/23
• Enrolled: 3/20/23
• Passed: 3/23/23

Caption

Access to death records.

Impact

The amendment to section 23-02.1-27 of the North Dakota Century Code represents a significant adjustment in how death records are managed and accessed. By defining who qualifies for access to these documents, the bill aims to streamline the process while ensuring sensitive information is protected. This change is particularly relevant for professionals needing to navigate the complexities of family medical histories or legal requirements, potentially impacting sectors such as healthcare, funeral services, and legal fields.

Summary

House Bill 1326 seeks to amend the regulations concerning access to death records within North Dakota. The bill primarily allows certified copies of complete death records to be issued to specific parties, including relatives, authorized representatives, licensed physicians, and others involved in legal or medical proceedings. The intent is to provide these stakeholders with necessary information while maintaining a level of privacy, as certain details such as the cause of death and social security number would be restricted under specific conditions.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment around HB 1326 appears to be supportive, with legislators acknowledging the necessity of balancing access to critical information with privacy concerns. The positive response in the House vote, which showcased a relatively high level of agreement (91-1), indicates that there is a shared understanding of the need for such legislative changes amongst the lawmakers. Nonetheless, ongoing discussions may highlight differing opinions on privacy and the extent of access granted under the amendment.

Contention

While the bill passed through the House and Senate without significant opposition, some points of contention relate to the extent of access granted to various parties. Questions were raised about the implications for personal privacy, particularly concerning sensitive information like social security numbers and causes of death. The balance between public knowledge and individual privacy remains a critical aspect of the discussions surrounding HB 1326, pointing to larger debates in society about data privacy and ethical considerations in accessing personal records.