H.B. 2979 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 2979
By: Goolsby
Juvenile Justice & Family Issues
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Until 1957, adoptees had access to their birth certificates without a
court order. However, in the 55th Legislature,  the law was changed to
require a court order for access to the original birth certificate. 

House Bill 2979 would allow adoptive persons over the age of 18 who
already know the name(s) of their birth parent(s) listed on the original
birth certificate,  to obtain their original birth certificate without the
necessity of a court order. 


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 192.008, Health and Safety Code, by amending
Subsection (d) to provide for applicability to Subsections (e) and (f).
Adds Subsection (f) to provide that an adult adoptee who is applying for
access to the person's original birth certificate and who knows the
identity of each parent named on the original birth certificate is
entitled to a copy of the original birth certificate without obtaining a
court order 

SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect January 1, 2004. (b) Retrospective and
prospective provisions. 


EFFECTIVE DATE

January 1, 2004.