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

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

Adoption records sealed, few exceptions

Starting May 6, 2026, all papers filed in an adoption case are sealed. You may see sealed records only in narrow cases: if you are a party while the case is pending, a party within 180 days after the final decree, by a court order for good cause or after a granted intervene‑on‑appeal order, when the state office may release them by law, or when records become public after 100 years (for the decree) or 100 years after birth (for the birth certificate). Filing to intervene does not make you a party; you cannot see sealed records unless the court grants your motion or another exception applies. If a court allows access after an intervention order, it must hide any identifying details of adoptive or prospective adoptive parents and allow only a redacted copy. A pre‑existing (birth) parent cannot access the sealed records unless another exception or court order applies.

Adult adoptees get records at 18

Beginning May 6, 2026, if you were adopted, you can see and copy key records at age 18. You can get the report of adoption, original birth certificate, findings of fact, and the final decree, unless a court has sealed them. Before release, the court removes any pre‑existing parent’s home address. An adult adoptee’s adoptive parent can also see adoption documents without a court order, unless the final decree came from juvenile court. A pre‑existing parent may ask the court to keep these documents sealed for 10 years by sworn statement showing a reasonable fear of harm; they can renew before it expires.

Courts can close adoption hearings

Beginning May 6, 2026, a court closes an adoption hearing to the public if a party asks. In a closed hearing, only listed people may attend: the parties, the adoptee, agency representatives, those giving up or facing termination of parental rights, a proposed intervenor, invitees for emotional support or by the petitioner, and others the court allows for good cause. This protects privacy but limits public access.

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

House vote • 2/25/2026

Senate Comm - Favorable Recommendation

Yes: 3 • No: 0

House 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 - Favorable Recommendation

Yes: 11 • No: 0