This bill addresses access to adoption records.
This bill:
AI-generated summary, not yet reviewed by Better Utah staff. Please consult the bill text.
Utah law currently allows adopted adults to access certain records from their own adoption — including their original birth certificate, adoption decree, and related court findings — once they turn 18, without needing a court order, while giving birth parents (called "pre-existing parents" in the law) a chance to ask a court to keep those records sealed. This bill would clarify that adoptees' right to access these records applies to all adoptions, no matter when they took place, and would require that a birth parent's physical address be blacked out before an adoptee can view the documents. It would also remove the current requirement that a birth parent file a petition to seal the records before the adoptee's 18th birthday, instead allowing that petition to be filed at any time after the adoptee turns 18, provided the birth parent can show by sworn statement that the adoptee's access would put them in reasonable fear of harm; if granted, the records would stay sealed for 10 years and could be extended in additional 10-year increments.
Introduction
Jan 23
House Rules
House Committee
Feb 17
House Floor Vote
Feb 20
Senate Rules
Feb 20
Senate Committee
Feb 25
Senate 2nd Reading
Feb 26
Senate 3rd Reading
Mar 3
Governor Signed
Mar 18
IntroductionJan 23
House Rules
House CommitteeFeb 17
House Floor VoteFeb 20
Senate RulesFeb 20
Senate CommitteeFeb 25
Senate 2nd ReadingFeb 26
Senate 3rd ReadingMar 3
Governor SignedMar 18
This bill addresses access to adoption records.
This bill:
AI-generated summary, not yet reviewed by Better Utah staff. Please consult the bill text.
Utah law currently allows adopted adults to access certain records from their own adoption — including their original birth certificate, adoption decree, and related court findings — once they turn 18, without needing a court order, while giving birth parents (called "pre-existing parents" in the law) a chance to ask a court to keep those records sealed. This bill would clarify that adoptees' right to access these records applies to all adoptions, no matter when they took place, and would require that a birth parent's physical address be blacked out before an adoptee can view the documents. It would also remove the current requirement that a birth parent file a petition to seal the records before the adoptee's 18th birthday, instead allowing that petition to be filed at any time after the adoptee turns 18, provided the birth parent can show by sworn statement that the adoptee's access would put them in reasonable fear of harm; if granted, the records would stay sealed for 10 years and could be extended in additional 10-year increments.
Motion: Favorable Recommendation
Motion: Favorable Recommendation
Governor Signed
Lieutenant Governor's office for filing
House/ to Governor
Executive Branch - Governor
House/ received enrolled bill from Printing
Clerk of the House
House/ enrolled bill to Printing
Clerk of the House
Enrolled Bill Returned to House or Senate
Clerk of the House
Last updated Aug 29, 2026, 5:26 PM