The bill amends the Family Code to enhance the responsibilities of the vital statistics unit within the Department of State Health Services regarding 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 respond to requests for search results within ten days and includes a requirement for the certificate of results to feature a digitized or written signature, replacing the previous requirement for a signature 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 a transition period for compliance with the new regulations.
Statutes affected: Introduced: Family Code 155.101, Family Code 160.422 (Family Code 160, Family Code 155)