HB 1216 -- ADOPTION RECORDS

CO-SPONSORS:  Kelly (27), Riback Wilson (25)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Children,
Youth and Families by a vote of 15 to 3.

This bill allows an adopted person 18 years of age or older to
receive a certified copy of his or her original unaltered birth
certificate from the state registrar upon written application.

FISCAL NOTE:  Total Estimated Net Cost to General Revenue Fund
of $63,000 in FY 2001, $75,600 in FY 2002, and $31,789 in FY
2003.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that this bill will give adult
adoptees equal treatment and the same right as other adults, the
right to request a copy of their original birth certificate on
their own, without the expense and hassle of petitioning a
juvenile court after receiving their adoptive parents'
permission.  Supporters also say that the original purpose of
protecting the birth and adoptive families from public scrutiny
and the adoptee from the stigma of illegitimacy no longer
applies; and, therefore, the sealed records law should be
amended.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Kelly (27), Judy
Kennett; Lindsay M. Woodside; Carol Kurtz; Frances Rigg; Susan
Lee; and Janet Waer.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Julie Jinkens McNitt, Legislative Analyst

HB 1216 -- Adoption Records

Co-Sponsors:  Kelly (27), Riback Wilson (25)

This bill allows an adopted person 18 years of age or older born
in Missouri to receive a certified copy of his or her original
unaltered birth certificate from the state registrar upon
written application.