North Carolina registrar advocates support for Senate Bill 248 on birth records access

The Iredell County Board of Commissioners convened on April 15, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, beginning with a significant proposal regarding vital records access for adoptees.

The meeting opened with a request from the registrar of deeds to adopt a resolution supporting North Carolina Senate Bill 248. This bill aims to empower local registrar of deeds offices to access vital records and issue certified copies of new birth certificates for all North Carolina citizens, including those who have been adopted.

Renee Holland, representing the North Carolina Association of Register of Deeds, presented the proposal to the board. She explained that the current process for adoptees to obtain their birth records involves lengthy requests through the North Carolina Office of Vital Records in Raleigh. The proposed bill seeks to streamline this process, allowing adoptees to obtain their new birth records directly from their local county registrar of deeds office.

Holland emphasized that the bill would not compromise the privacy of original birth certificates or disclose any adoption details or biological parent information. It also does not alter existing adoption laws regarding access to sealed records. She urged the board to support Senate Bill 248, highlighting its potential to significantly benefit citizens seeking access to their vital records.

The meeting concluded with the board considering the implications of the proposed resolution and the next steps for supporting the bill. The discussions underscored the board's commitment to improving access to vital records for adoptees in Iredell County.