This bill amends sections 14-15-16 and 23-02.1-18 of the North Dakota Century Code, focusing on the confidentiality and disclosure of information in adoption proceedings and access to birth records. Key changes include the clarification of the term "genetic parent," which now explicitly includes both presumed and alleged fathers. The bill mandates that adoption hearings be held in closed court with limited attendance and outlines the process for disclosing identifying and nonidentifying information to adoptive parents, adopted adults, and birth parents, ensuring that all records remain confidential unless specific conditions are met. Additionally, it allows adopted individuals aged eighteen and older to request information regarding their genetic parents and siblings, with the department required to notify relevant child-placing agencies within seven working days of such requests.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a framework for creating new birth records for individuals adopted from foreign countries, allowing for requests from the court, adoptive parents, or the adopted individual, contingent upon proof of legitimation or paternity. It clarifies the necessary documentation for creating these records and introduces provisions for adopted individuals aged eighteen or older to access their original birth records and related adoption evidence. The bill also stipulates that upon annulment of an adoption, the original birth record must be restored, and mandates that if no birth record exists, one must be filed according to departmental regulations, with all copies sealed or forwarded to the state registrar as directed.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 14-15-16, 23-02.1-18