UtahH.B. 3332026 General SessionHouse

Adoption Records Access Amendments

Sponsored By: Raymond P. Ward (Republican)

Signed by Governor

AdoptionHealth and Human ServicesChild Welfare

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Adult adoptees gain records with privacy limits

Beginning May 6, 2026, Utah adoptees age 18 or older can inspect and copy four key records without a court order. These are the adoption report, original birth certificate, findings of fact, and final adoption decree. This right applies regardless of when the adoption occurred. A court order sealing these records blocks this access. Before release, the records must hide the physical addresses of parents from before the adoption.

Parents can seal records for safety

Beginning May 6, 2026, parents from before an adoption can ask the court that issued the adoption decree to seal records. They no longer have to file before the adoptee turns 18. The petition must clearly identify the records and include a sworn statement showing that adoptee access creates reasonable fear of harm from someone. A court order seals the records for 10 years from its entry, limiting adoptee access unless the court allows access on other grounds. Parents can seek another 10-year term before the current order expires, meeting the same requirements and obtaining another court order.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Raymond P. Ward
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Heidi Balderree
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 127 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/3/2026

Senate/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 27 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/25/2026

Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation

Yes: 3 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/25/2026

Senate Comm - Consent Calendar Recommendation

Yes: 3 • No: 0

House vote • 2/20/2026

House/ passed 3rd reading

Yes: 72 • No: 0

House vote • 2/17/2026

House Comm - Consent Calendar Recommendation

Yes: 11 • No: 0