The bill H. 4541 seeks 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 amendment introduces a provision that allows an adoption agency to disclose the identity of a biological parent and other pertinent information to an adult adoptee if the biological parent is deceased. This change aims to provide greater access to information for adoptees who are seeking to learn more about their biological heritage.

In the revised language, the bill specifies that an adoption agency must provide the identity of the biological parent and related case records to an adoptee who is at least eighteen years old, provided that the adoptee presents a certification confirming the biological parent's death from the Department of Public Health's bureau of vital statistics or a similar office in another jurisdiction. This amendment is designed to facilitate the process for adult adoptees to obtain information that may be significant to their personal history and identity. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

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