UtahH.B. 1292025 General SessionHouse

Adoption Records Access Amendments

Sponsored By: Raymond P. Ward (Republican)

Signed by Governor

AdoptionFamilyGovernment RecordsHealth and Human ServicesCourtsJudicial OperationsGovernment Operations (State Issues)

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Adult adoptees gain limited records access

Beginning November 1, 2025, people adopted as minors can inspect and copy four adoption records at age 18 without a court order. These are the adoption report, original birth certificate, findings of fact, and final adoption decree. A court sealing order blocks this access. Adult adoptees and their adoptive parents also gain access to inspect adoption documents without a court order. That inspection rule does not apply when a juvenile court entered the final adoption decree.

Parents can seek safety-based records sealing

Beginning November 1, 2025, a pre-existing parent can ask the court that approved the adoption to seal specified adoption records. The parent must file before the adoptee turns 18 and identify the records. A sworn statement must show that access would cause reasonable fear of harm from an individual. A sealing order lasts 10 years from entry and blocks the adoptee's access to those records. The parent can seek further 10-year extensions before each order expires, with renewed notice and proof supporting continued sealing.

Adoption participants get access and privacy

Beginning November 1, 2025, adoption case parties can inspect and copy records during the case and for 180 days afterward. The 180 days run from entry of the final adoption decree, replacing the prior six-month period. A court can close a hearing at a party's request, admitting only listed participants and others allowed for good cause. Certain people gaining access through an intervention appeal, and potential birth fathers made parties through intervention, receive copies with identifying details removed. This protects adoptive and prospective adoptive parents' identities while allowing those people to review redacted records.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Raymond P. Ward
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Heidi Balderree
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 197 • No: 2

House vote • 2/21/2025

House/ concurs with Senate amendment

Yes: 65 • No: 1

Senate vote • 2/20/2025

Senate/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 24 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/19/2025

Senate/ passed 2nd reading

Yes: 19 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/13/2025

Senate Comm - Substitute Recommendation

Yes: 4 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/13/2025

Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation

Yes: 4 • No: 0

House vote • 2/7/2025

House/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 72 • No: 0

House vote • 2/7/2025

House/ substituted

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 1/29/2025

House Comm - Favorable Recommendation

Yes: 9 • No: 1

House vote • Unknown