A bill to establish a National Voluntary Mutual Reunion Registry.
Latest action (8 Nov 1997): Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
What this bill does
S. 1487 would amend the Social Security Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services, at the department's discretion and only if it costs the federal government nothing, to create a National Voluntary Mutual Reunion Registry. This registry would help facilitate the exchange of identifying information between an adult adopted person (age 21 or older) and a birth parent or an adult sibling, but only when all parties involved have voluntarily consented in a signed, notarized statement. The bill requires the registry to be centralized, to protect privacy through appropriate data safeguards, to collect only information necessary for a match, and to keep all participant information confidential unless the individual gives written consent to release it. Reasonable fees, capped at what comparable state services charge, may be collected, and violations involving improper disclosure or use of confidential information carry a fine of $5,000 and up to one year in prison. The bill also specifies that it does not override any state laws governing adoption records or confidentiality.
The bill primarily affects adult adoptees, birth parents, and adult siblings who wish to voluntarily locate and reconnect with each other, as well as the Department of Health and Human Services, which would administer the registry if it chooses to establish one. States' own adoption and confidentiality laws remain unaffected.
S. 1487 was introduced by Senator Larry Craig in November 1997 and passed the Senate that same day by unanimous consent. However, it was never taken up or passed by the House of Representatives, so the bill did not become law during the 105th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to use Departmental facilities to facilitate the voluntary, mutually requested exchange of identifying information that has been mutually consented to, by a 21-year-old adult adopted individual with any birth parent or adult sibling, if all involved have consented by a signed notarized statement to the information exchange. Sets forth procedural requirements for establishment of a National Voluntary Mutual Reunion Registry. Subjects violators of this Act to criminal penalties. States that this Act does not preempt a State's sealed adoption record policy.
Timeline
8 Nov 1997
Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Common questions
- What does S. 1487 do?
- S. 1487 would amend the Social Security Act to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services, at the department's discretion and only if it costs the federal government nothing, to create a National Voluntary Mutual Reunion Registry. This registry would help facilitate the exchange of identifying information between an adult adopted person (age 21 or older) and a birth parent or an adult sibling, but only when all parties involved have voluntarily consented in a signed, notarized statement. The bill requires the registry to be centralized, to protect privacy through appropriate data safeguards, to collect only information necessary for a match, and to keep all participant information confidential unless the individual gives written consent to release it. Reasonable fees, capped at what comparable state services charge, may be collected, and violations involving improper disclosure or use of confidential information carry a fine of $5,000 and up to one year in prison. The bill also specifies that it does not override any state laws governing adoption records or confidentiality. The bill primarily affects adult adoptees, birth parents, and adult siblings who wish to voluntarily locate and reconnect with each other, as well as the Department of Health and Human Services, which would administer the registry if it chooses to establish one. States' own adoption and confidentiality laws remain unaffected. S. 1487 was introduced by Senator Larry Craig in November 1997 and passed the Senate that same day by unanimous consent. However, it was never taken up or passed by the House of Representatives, so the bill did not become law during the 105th Congress.
- Has S. 1487 become law?
- Not yet. As of 8 Nov 1997, S. 1487 is passed senate (house next).
- Who sponsored S. 1487?
- S. 1487 was sponsored by Sen. Larry Craig [R-ID, 1991-2008] (Republican-ID), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 1487?
- Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (8 Nov 1997).
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