BIRTH RECORDS - S.B. 794: FIRST ANALYSIS
Senate Bill 794 (as passed by the Senate)
Sponsor: Senator John J. H. Schwarz, M.D.
Committee: Health Policy
Date Completed: 12-11-01
RATIONALE
The Public Health Code requires the State registrar or a local registrar to issue a certified copy of a live birth record to the individual who is the subject of the live birth record; a parent named in the birth record; an heir, a legal representative, or a legal guardian of the individual who is the subject of the live birth record; or a court of competent jurisdiction. Also, if a live birth record is at least 110 years old, any applicant may obtain a copy of it. Some people researching their own genealogical background as well as professional genealogists and historians conducting research often use live birth records in their work. Reportedly, in many states, it is standard for live birth records over 100 years old to be available to any applicant. It has been suggested that Michigan follow suit.
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Public Health Code to allow a person to obtain a certified copy of a live birth record that was 100 years old or more. Currently, such a record may be obtained if it is 110 years old or more.
Under the Code, upon written request and payment of required fees, the State registrar or a local registrar must issue various records, including live birth records, as prescribed in the Code. (The State registrar is an individual appointed by the Department of Community Health Director to administer the system of vital statistics.)
MCL 333.2882
ARGUMENTS
(Please note: The arguments contained in this analysis originate from sources outside the Senate Fiscal Agency. The Senate Fiscal Agency neither supports nor opposes legislation.)
Supporting Argument
The bill would allow an applicant to obtain a certified copy of a live birth record that was 100 years old or more, instead of 110 years old or more. Apparently, many states incorporate the 100-year minimum requirement for live birth records. The bill would make this requirement in Michigan consistent with other states. Since extensive genealogy research often crosses state lines, consistency among the states would help genealogists, historians, and other people wishing to conduct background research in Michigan.
- Legislative Analyst: N. Nagata
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
- Fiscal Analyst: D. PattersonA0102\s794a
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.