The bill H. 3086 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding a new section, 44-63-145, which mandates the Department of Public Health to issue a "Certificate of Foreign Birth" for children born abroad to U.S. citizen parents who are residents of South Carolina. This certificate will be provided upon receipt of specific documentation, including evidence of U.S. citizenship and a foreign birth record. The bill outlines the requirements for the name displayed on the certificate, stipulating that it must match the name on the evidence of citizenship. Additionally, it allows for the submission of further documentation if there is a discrepancy in the names or if there is reasonable doubt about the child's identity.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 44-63-140 to make a technical correction regarding the issuance of birth certificates for children born in foreign countries. The revised language clarifies that if a child was a U.S. citizen at birth, the state registrar is not to prepare a "Certificate of Foreign Birth" but instead inform adoptive parents about obtaining a revised birth certificate through the U.S. Department of State. This legislation will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 44-63-145, 44-63-140
Latest Version: 44-63-145, 44-63-140