PA
Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB644

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB644

Introduced
4/21/25  

Caption

In decrees and records, further providing for definitions and for original birth record.

Impact

The introduction of SB644 is set to impact existing statutes surrounding adoption and personal identity by streamlining the process whereby adoptees can obtain their original birth records. The proposed changes allow for the removal of a birth parent's name upon request through a notarized form, enhancing the autonomy of birth parents concerning their privacy. This is a significant shift towards acknowledging the rights of adoptees to know their biological roots while recognizing the needs of birth parents which, if enacted, would alter how birth records are managed in Pennsylvania.

Summary

Senate Bill 644 (SB644) proposes amendments to Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes concerning original birth records for adoptees. The bill specifies that any adoptee who is at least 18 years old may apply for a noncertified copy of their original birth record from the Department of Health. This copy will include original parents' names, the date and county of birth, and the name given to the child at birth, but will be marked clearly as noncertified. The intent behind this bill is to provide adoptees access to essential information about their birth origins while balancing privacy concerns of birth parents.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB644 appears to be mixed. Supporters argue that this level of access to birth records empowers adoptees and respects their rights to know about their origin, potentially aiding in identity formation and medical histories. However, critics raise concerns about the implications for birth parents’ privacy, particularly regarding the potential emotional repercussions of having their identities accessible. This divide represents a broader societal debate on privacy versus transparency in adoption cases and how best to balance these interests.

Contention

Notable points of contention relate to the provisions for name redaction and the ease with which adoptees can access birth records. Advocates for birth parents argue that the bill could inadvertently cause distress or unwanted contact as identities become more accessible. Conversely, proponents for adoptee rights emphasize that access to original birth records is a critical element of personal agency and identity. The debate embodies the tension between individual rights and societal norms regarding adoption, privacy, and familial connections.

Latest PA SB644 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session SB644

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB736

In decrees and records, further providing for definitions and for original birth record.

PA HB2459

In decrees and records, further providing for definitions and for original birth record.

PA HB2083

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in records, further providing for fees for copies.

PA HB1963

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in records, further providing for fees for copies.

PA HB99

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in access, further providing for open-records officer, for appeals officer, for regulations and policies, for uniform form, for requests and for retention of records and providing for inmate access; in procedure, further providing for written requests, for redaction, for production of certain records and for exceptions for public records; in agency response, further providing for extension of time and providing for relief from vexatious requesters; in appeal of agency determination, further providing for filing of appeal and for appeals officers; in judicial review, further providing for court costs and attorney fees, for civil penalty, for fee limitations and for Office of Open Records; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for relation to other laws.

PA HB1040

Further providing for definitions, for rules and regulations and for records.

PA SB657

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in requirements and prohibitions, providing for Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association; in access, further providing for open-records officer, for appeals officer, for regulations and policies, for requests and for retention of records; in procedure, further providing for requests, for written requests, for electronic access, for creation of record, for production of certain records and for exceptions for public records; in agency response, further providing for general rule and for extension of time; in appeal of agency determination, further providing for filing of appeal and for appeals officers; in judicial review, further providing for civil penalty and for Office of Open Records; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for relation to other laws.

PA HB2622

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in administration, further providing for confidentiality of records; and providing for abuse and neglect registry.

PA HB1342

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in procedure, further providing for exceptions for public records.

PA SB994

In general administration, further providing for State recording system for application of restraints to pregnant prisoners or detainees; in county correctional institutions, further providing for county recording system for application of restraints to pregnant prisoners or detainees; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for healthy birth for incarcerated women.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.