If enacted, this bill would significantly modify the procedures for amending birth certificates in Arizona. Under the current law, the State Registrar can amend a birth certificate for various reasons, including changes due to sex change operations. The bill would restrict amendments to only those specified in the statute, thereby prohibiting changes to a person's sex designation on their original birth certificate as a result of a sex change surgery. Additionally, it would remove the ability of the State Registrar to amend birth certificates based on sex change operations or chromosomal counts, and it would limit court orders for amendments strictly to name changes.

The bill also introduces new provisions that require the State Registrar to maintain a record of evidence submitted for amendments related to factually inaccurate information, while ensuring that such corrections do not appear on the face of the birth certificate. Furthermore, it prohibits commissioners from issuing orders to amend a person's name on their birth certificate, thereby centralizing the authority for such amendments. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the integrity and accuracy of vital records while imposing stricter limitations on the circumstances under which birth certificates can be amended.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-337
House Engrossed Version: 36-337
Senate Engrossed Version: 36-337