Easley, Michael. Press Release, 2007-01-24, Gov. Easley Signs Bill To Give Adoptees Easier Access To Birth Information

State of North Carolina Office of the Governor Michael F. Easley Governor Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Sondra Artis Date: 1/24/2007 Phone: (919) 733-5612 GO V. EASLEY SIGNS BILL TO GIVE ADOPTEES EASIER ACCESS TO BIRTH INFORMATION Raleigh - Gov. Mike Easley today announced he has signed into law House Bill 445, "An act to authorize child placement agencies to act as confidential intermediaries between adult adoptees, an adult lineal descendant of a deceased adoptee, and a biological parent." This new law allows easier access to adoption information by adult adoptees or their adult descendants without a required court hearing. "Many adoptees want to know where they came from and more about their family lineage,” Easley said. “These changes in the law will make access to that information, by those who need to have it, easier. Obtaining this information, such as medical histories, could have life-saving implications.” Currently, adult adoptees and their birth parents are required to petition a judge, even if both parties consent to access to birth records and other adoption information. Provisions in the new law allow a child placement agency licensed by the state Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Social Services, or a county social services department, to contact the birth parents of an adult adoptee and obtain contact preferences and medical information. Adoptees, who must be at least 21 , will receive the information upon request for a copy of the adoptee’s birth certificate. "I am pleased that adult adoptees and their birth parents will now be able to exchange information and, if they choose, contact each other without the courts playing a role," said state Rep. Margaret Dickson (D-Cumberland), the bill’s primary sponsor. Other co-sponsors were: Rep. Jim Crawford (D-Granville, Vance), Rep. Winkie Wilkins (D- Durham, Person) and Rep. Jean Farmer-Butterfield (D-Edgecombe, Wilson). The bill was carried in the Senate by Sen. Janet Cowell (D-Wake). This act becomes effective January 1, 2008 and covers all requests received following that date. The legislation passed the House on a 1 15-0 vote, and passed the Senate 49-0. In his budget, Easley has proposed a tax credit to help families afford the costs of adopting a child. The state tax credit, worth $5,150 annually, can be taken on expenses related to adopting a child.