The bill H. 4541 aims to amend Section 63-9-780 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, specifically regarding mutual consent registries and the release of adoption-related information. The proposed amendment introduces a new provision that allows adoption agencies to disclose the identity of a biological parent and other relevant information to adult adoptees if the biological parent is deceased. This change is intended to provide greater access to information for adoptees who are seeking to learn more about their biological heritage.

In addition to the new provision, the bill also clarifies the responsibilities of adoption agencies in maintaining a confidential register of adoptees and their biological relatives. The amendment specifies that the agency must release identifying information only to those individuals who have filed the necessary affidavits. The bill will take effect upon approval by the Governor, enhancing the rights of adult adoptees in South Carolina to access information about their biological parents under certain conditions.

Statutes affected:
05/08/2025: 63-9-780
Latest Version: 63-9-780