This bill amends existing Minnesota laws to improve adult adoptees' access to their original birth records and related adoption information. It reclassifies original birth records from confidential to private, thereby allowing greater access for individuals aged 18 and older to request these records. A new section, 144.2252, is introduced to outline the process for adoptees to obtain their original birth records and establishes the rights of birth parents to submit contact preference forms regarding their willingness to be contacted by their adopted children. Additionally, the bill repeals certain provisions that previously limited access to adoption-related information, streamlining the process for adoptees and their families.

To ensure public awareness of these changes, the bill mandates the commissioner of human services to collaborate with licensed child-placement agencies to launch a campaign informing affected parties about the new laws. It also repeals specific sections of the Minnesota Statutes from 2022 that pertain to consent to disclosure and access to original birth record information. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2024, with the commissioner of health required to start providing contact preference forms by August 1, 2023. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance transparency and accessibility of adoption records while respecting the privacy of all individuals involved.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 13.10, 13.465, 144.218, 144.225, 144.2252, 259.83, 260C.317