Utah’s HB 129: Expanding Access to Adoption Records for Adult Adoptees

Utah has taken a major step toward increasing transparency in adoption with the passage of House Bill 129 (HB 129). The legislation grants adult adoptees the right to access their adoption records upon turning 18, making it significantly easier for them to obtain vital information about their origins and medical history. For an adult who was adopted as a child, getting this family-background information can be like opening a gift.

What HB 129 Does

HB 129, sponsored by Rep. Raymond Ward, allows individuals adopted as children to access their original birth certificates and related adoption records without needing to petition a court. This marks a shift from previous law, which required a legal process that could involve hiring an attorney and attending a court hearing.

Under the new law, access to records becomes the default once the adoptee turns 18. However, it also provides birth parents with the option to petition a court to keep the records sealed—if they can demonstrate that disclosing the information would likely cause them harm.

The specific records that adult adoptees can access include (a) the Report of Adoption form, (b) the original birth certificate, (c) the Findings of Fact and (d) the Decree of Adoption. We should note that the Findings of Fact often includes the bases for termination of a birth parent's rights which may include abuse, neglect, abandonment, or parental unfitness. This information may answer questions but may also be emotionally painful.

Why This Matters

Access to adoption records is important for a range of personal and medical reasons. For adoptees, having information about their biological heritage can be essential to forming a complete sense of identity. More critically, access to family medical history can play a crucial role in preventive health care and early detection of hereditary conditions.

The law is a recognition that, as adults, adoptees have a right to understand their origins. It addresses long-standing barriers that have kept many people from essential information about themselves.

Broad Support for the Amended Bill

The final version of the bill, which includes an amendment allowing birth parents to seek judicial review, received support from key adoption advocacy organizations, including the Utah Adoption Law Center and the Utah Adoption Council. These groups supported the compromise approach that balances an adoptee's right to information with limited privacy protections for birth parents.

While some adoptee rights groups had concerns about the amended language—particularly regarding the broad criteria under which records could be sealed—the overall response has been positive, recognizing the bill as a step forward.

What’s Next

HB 129 is scheduled to go into effect on November 1, 2025. As implementation begins, state agencies and legal advocates will be watching closely to ensure the law is applied fairly and effectively.

Conclusion

Utah’s HB 129 represents a significant advancement in adoptee rights. By easing access to adoption records, the state is helping individuals gain insights into their identity and medical history—while still preserving important protections for those who may be affected by the disclosure. As other states look to modernize their own adoption laws, Utah’s approach may serve as a compelling example of how to strike a thoughtful and fair balance.