The bill amends Section 33-22-28 of the General Laws in Chapter 33-22, which pertains to "Practice in Probate Courts," to establish new provisions for the process of legally changing one's name. The amendments specify that a judge must grant or deny a name change petition without considering spousal consent and that a name change should be granted unless it is sought for fraudulent purposes. It also allows individuals to petition for a name change in the probate court of their residence, provides for the possibility of waiving or reducing court costs for indigent petitioners, eliminates the requirement for public notice or publication before approving a name change, and permits the court to require a criminal history record check. Additionally, the court is mandated to keep a record of the name change and may seal such records to protect the petitioner's safety, considering the risk of violence or discrimination, including for reasons such as being transgender or a survivor of domestic violence.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 15-5-17 of the General Laws in Chapter 15-5, "Divorce and Separation," to make the statute regarding name changes gender-neutral. It allows any person, not just women, who is granted a divorce to change their name as part of the divorce decree, with the same rights and liabilities as if their name had not been changed. The bill emphasizes that these statutes are in addition to, and do not abrogate, common law. The act would take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2667  SUB A: 33-22-28, 15-5-17
2667: 33-22-28, 15-5-17