The bill amends the Family Code to enhance the duties of the vital statistics unit within the Department of State Health Services, particularly concerning suits affecting the parent-child relationship. Key changes include the removal of the requirement for a written request for information, allowing requests to be made electronically by the Department of Family and Protective Services, courts, attorneys, or parties involved. Additionally, the bill mandates the establishment of an electronic process for requesting information, streamlining access to vital statistics data.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that the vital statistics unit must provide a certificate of search results within ten days of receiving a request, which must now include a digitized or written signature instead of just being signed on behalf of the unit. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to requests received on or after January 1, 2026, ensuring that any requests made prior to this date will be governed by the previous law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Family Code 155.101, Family Code 160.422 (Family Code 155, Family Code 160)