The proposed bill, if enacted, would significantly modify the current statutes regarding the amendment of birth certificates in Arizona. Under the new provisions, the State Registrar would only be permitted to amend a birth certificate for specific reasons, such as adoption or factual inaccuracies, thereby enhancing the integrity and accuracy of vital records. Notably, the bill would prohibit any changes to the sex designation on a person's original birth certificate as a result of sex change surgery, and it would remove the previous ability for the State Registrar to amend birth certificates based on sex change operations or chromosomal counts. Additionally, the bill stipulates that a court order for amending a birth certificate would be limited to name changes only, and it explicitly prohibits commissioners from issuing such orders.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new process for correcting factual inaccuracies on birth certificates, allowing for amendments if substantial evidence is provided. It mandates that any corrections made will not be visible on the face of the birth certificate, and the Bureau of Vital Records must maintain a record of all evidence submitted for such amendments. The requirement to seal evidentiary documents after an amendment is also removed, streamlining the process while ensuring that the integrity of the records is maintained. Overall, these changes aim to restrict the circumstances under which birth certificates can be amended, particularly concerning gender identity, while also establishing clearer guidelines for correcting factual errors.

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