PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the Subcommittee on Human Resources.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Feb 12, 1998
Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a national registry to which birth parents of an adopted child may voluntarily provide medical information about themselves for release to the adopted child upon the child's request. Prohibits the release of identifying information about a birth parent to the adopted child unless the parent and child have signed a notarized statement of consent. Mandates: (1) the confidentiality of all national registry information; and (2) the written informed consent of the individual before release of any registry information. Proscribes any national registry attempt to contact an individual for the purpose of facilitating a reunion. Mandates that the registry: (1) be a centralized nationwide data repository; and (2) operate independently of any other data system maintained by the Department of Health and Human Services. Authorizes the Secretary to charge fees for services provided under this Act. Subjects violators of this Act to specified criminal penalties. Declares that this Act does not preempt any State or local law concerning adoption and the confidentiality of its sealed adoption record policy.
People & committees
Rep. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY-9] · D–NY
Legislative record
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Referred to the Subcommittee on Human Resources.
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Jan 2, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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