Utah House approves measures on adoptee records access, fentanyl trafficking and fraud penalties; several other bills advanced

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah House of Representatives on Feb. 6 approved multiple measures affecting adoption records, drug trafficking and fraud enforcement as part of a busy floor session that also advanced other bills to committees and calendars.

The chamber approved a first substitute to House Bill 129, which allows an adult adoptee to request access to their original birth certificate. Representative Brady Ward, the bill sponsor, told colleagues, “this is a bill that makes it easier for an adult adoptee to access their original birth certificate when they become an adult.” The substitute adds a process that allows a birth parent who believes disclosure would cause harm to petition a court to keep the certificate sealed.

The change drew personal testimony and mixed reaction in committee and on the floor. Representative Shepherd, who said they are an adoptee, described having searched years for an original birth certificate and thanked Ward for working with stakeholders to add protections. Representative Auxier said they had voted no in committee originally because of privacy concerns but supported the substitute on the floor after revisions.

House members voted to adopt the first substitute; the bill will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.

Also on the floor, Representative Gwyn presented first substitute…